Year: 2026 | Month: April | Volume: 13 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 145-154
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260415
Muscle Energy Technique and Positional Release Technique in Hamstrings tightness in Non-Specific Low Back Pain: An experimental study
Harmeet Kaur1, Dr. Anmoldeep Kaur2, Dr. Gurleen Kaur3
1Post Graduation Student, P.G Department of Physiotherapy, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab.
2,3Assistant Professor, P.G Department of Physiotherapy, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Anmoldeep Kaur
ABSTRACT
Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is highly prevalent among college students largely attributed to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and associated hamstring tightness. Hamstring tightness alters pelvic alignment, increases lumbar spine stress, and perpetuates pain and dysfunction. While core stabilization exercises (CSE) are established for NSLBP management the comparative effectiveness of combining CSE with either Positional Release Technique (PRT) or Muscle Energy Technique (MET) for hamstring tightness in this population remains unclear. This study specifically compares the efficacy of PRT versus MET, both combined with CSE, in improving hamstring tightness, reducing pain intensity, and enhancing functional outcomes among college students with NSLBP.
Methods: A Randomised controlled trial was conducted with 80 college students with non-specific low back pain, aged between 18 and 25 years. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received Core Stabilisation exercises and Positional Release Technique on Hamstrings; Group B received Core Stabilisation exercises and Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstrings. The intervention was administered 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks on alternate days.
Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures following the three‑week intervention (p < 0.05). Between‑group analysis revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.001) in favor of Group B (CSE + MET) for Active Knee Extension Test, MODI scores, and lumbar ROM.
Conclusion: A multimodal physiotherapy approach is effective in managing NSLBP among college students. The combination of Muscle Energy Technique with Core Stabilization Exercises was found to be the most effective intervention, highlighting the importance of incorporating core stability training and MET on hamstrings to improve hamstring tightness, reduce pain, and enhance functional outcomes.
Keywords: Non-specific low back pain, Core stabilisation exercises, Muscle Energy Technique, Positional Release Technique, Hamstring tightness, College Students.
[PDF Full Text]