Functional Outcomes of Physiotherapy Intervention in Young Adults With Hamstring Tightness: Changes in Hamstring Flexibility, Dynamic Balance, and Pain
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: BackgroundHamstring tightness is one of the most common musculoskeletal impairments among young adults andhas been associated with reduced flexibility, impaired dynamic balance, pain, and diminishedfunctional performance. Persistent shortening of the hamstring muscles may alter lower-limbbiomechanics, compromise postural stability, and increase the risk of movement dysfunction andmusculoskeletal injury. Physiotherapy interventions are routinely prescribed to improve muscleextensibility and restore function; however, evidence describing the overall functional outcomesfollowing physiotherapy remains limited. Evaluating changes in flexibility, balance, and pain isessential for understanding the clinical effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes in this population.ObjectiveTo evaluate functional outcomes following physiotherapy intervention by assessing changes inhamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and pain among young adults with hamstring tightness.MethodsA prospective pre–post experimental study was conducted among 40 young adults with hamstringtightness. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) and Sit-and-Reach Test (SRT), dynamic balance was measured using the Y-Balance Test (YBT), and painintensity was evaluated using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Outcome measures wererecorded before and after physiotherapy intervention. Pre–post comparisons were analysed usingpaired t-tests with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsFollowing physiotherapy intervention, statistically significant improvements were observed in alloutcome measures. Mean AKET values improved from 32.7 ± 2.9° to 22.7 ± 2.8° (t = 20.1, p =0.0001). Mean YBT scores increased from 84.2 ± 2.0 to 91.0 ± 2.6 (t = 16.8, p = 0.0001). Mean SRTvalues improved from 19.7 ± 2.1 cm to 28.8 ± 2.6 cm (t = 25.1, p = 0.0001). Mean NPRS scoresdecreased from 6.8 ± 1.7 to 3.0 ± 1.7 (t = 10.1, p = 0.0001).ConclusionPhysiotherapy intervention resulted in significant improvements in hamstring flexibility, dynamicbalance, and pain among young adults with hamstring tightness. These findings support the role ofphysiotherapy in improving functional outcomes and managing impairments associated with hamstringtightness.
Source: The Bioscan.
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7202297639