Abstract

Background: Myofascial decompression (MFD), or cupping therapy and Conventional stretching are common techniques utilized to improve hamstring tightness and balance. MFD is a negative pressure soft tissue treatment technique using suction to manipulate the skin and underlying soft tissues. Stretching is also usually incorporated as pre-exercise as it has been suggested to improve muscle flexibility, prevent muscle injury and enhance physical performance. Purpose of the Study: Aim of this study was to assess whether Myofascial Decompression or Conventional Stretching techniques was more reliable in improving hamstring flexibility and balance improvement in Physiotherapy students. Method: The present study was conducted in M.B Gohil Institute of Medical Science and Research Center, Navsari, Gujarat. The study includes 50 physiotherapy students divided into two groups using convenient sampling who have age between 18-25 years. One group undergone MFD technique and the other group undergone conventional stretching, the study was conducted for only one day. The AKET was performed before and after the treatment to observe the improvement in range of motion and hamstring flexibility, likewise the SEBT was performed before and after the treatment to observe the improvement in balance. Outcome Measures: Active knee extension test (AKET) and Star excursion balance test (SEBT). Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 26 software. Results: Study was done among 50 students, in which 25 students were undergone MFD technique and other 25 were undergone conventional stretching technique. The hamstring muscle flexibility increased in both the groups i.e., 2.55% in cupping group and 2.49% in stretching group. So, both the techniques are very effective to relieve hamstring tightness. The balance improves in each direction of both the groups i.e., anterior, anteromedial, medial, posteromedial, posterior, posterolateral, lateral and anterolateral. So, both the techniques are equally effective to improve balance. Conclusion: This study indicates that both the techniques are very effective to improve hamstring tightness. Here, myofascial decompression technique has slightly better improvement result than conventional stretching, but it is not significant enough to state that MFD is far better than Conventional stretching. Considering the limitation of MFD is very good alternative with similar results on hamstrings according to our research.

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