FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS: CHANGES IN HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY, DYNAMIC BALANCE, AND PAIN

Abstract

Background
Hamstring tightness is one of the most common musculoskeletal impairments among young adults and
has been associated with reduced flexibility, impaired dynamic balance, pain, and diminished
functional performance. Persistent shortening of the hamstring muscles may alter lower-limb
biomechanics, compromise postural stability, and increase the risk of movement dysfunction and
musculoskeletal injury. Physiotherapy interventions are routinely prescribed to improve muscle
extensibility and restore function; however, evidence describing the overall functional outcomes
following physiotherapy remains limited. Evaluating changes in flexibility, balance, and pain is
essential for understanding the clinical effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes in this population.
Objective
To evaluate functional outcomes following physiotherapy intervention by assessing changes in
hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and pain among young adults with hamstring tightness.
Methods
A prospective pre–post experimental study was conducted among 40 young adults with hamstring
tightness. 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 pain
intensity was evaluated using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Outcome measures were
recorded before and after physiotherapy intervention. Pre–post comparisons were analysed using
paired t-tests with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
Following physiotherapy intervention, statistically significant improvements were observed in all
outcome 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 SRT
values improved from 19.7 ± 2.1 cm to 28.8 ± 2.6 cm (t = 25.1, p = 0.0001). Mean NPRS scores
decreased from 6.8 ± 1.7 to 3.0 ± 1.7 (t = 10.1, p = 0.0001).
Conclusion
Physiotherapy intervention resulted in significant improvements in hamstring flexibility, dynamic
balance, and pain among young adults with hamstring tightness. These findings support the role of
physiotherapy in improving functional outcomes and managing impairments associated with hamstring
tightness.