Context: Tendo Achilles tightness is the most common problem in normal healthy individuals who wear high heels or sit for prolong period of timewhich also leads to calf muscle tightness. Stretching is form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon (group of muscles) which are shortened are target for its lengthening. the muscles or tendon is stretched in order to improve its flexibility and elasticity and reduce tightness and achieve normal range of motion which is being restricted due to that tightness. Aim: Purpose is to compare the effectiveness of Cyclic stretching versus PNF stretching in TA tightness. Setting and Design: 40 healthy individuals (n= 40) between 18 to 25 years (female) with TA tightness were randomly divided into two groups equally. Each group consists of 20 subjects. Methods and Material: Ankle dorsiflexion of affected side was measure using universal
goniometer. Subjects in group A were treated with PNF stertching and subjects in group B were treated with Cyclic Stretching. Treatment was given for 7 days on daily basis. Post treatment ankle dorsiflexion was recorded and compared. Statistical analysis used: After the intervention, difference the groups was compared using paired t Test and between the group it was compared using Unpaired T Test. Results: The PNF technique (group A) the value of ankle dorsiflexion was increased at the end of 7th day (19) compared to baseline value ( 12.15). Conclusions: Both the PNF an Cyclic stretching techniques are effective in improving TA flexibility and improving ankle range of motion, but PNF is more effective compared to cyclic stretching in reducing TA tightness.
Keywords: PNF stretching, Cyclic Stretching, Tendo- Achilles tightness, flexibility