Comparative effects of graston technique and foam roller on the flexibility of hamstring muscle

Background: The incidence of hamstring tightness is one of the typical finding in the individuals with sedentary life style. The objective of this study was to find out the comparative effect of Graston technique and Foam roller on the flexibility of hamstring muscle.

Methods: A total of 30 subjects were randomized into 2 equal groups. The patients in group A received Graston Technique while Group B was treated with Foam Roller. Treatment duration was 2 sessions per week for six weeks. Data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 23.0. Mean ± SD reported for flexibility of hamstring muscle at day-01 and day-12. Paired sample t-test was used for within group analysis. One-way analysis of variance was also done to compare the post treatment scores.

Results: In Mysofascial Release group the mean flexibility at day-01 was 56.73 ± 8.97 and at day-12 it was 65.87 ± 9.49. In Graston group the mean flexibility at day-01 was 52.60 ± 9.14 and at day-12 it was 65.47 ± 9.41, results showed 12.86 units significant increase was observed in flexibility of hamstring muscle at day-12 with p-value less than 0.01.

Conclusion: It has been concluded from the study that Graston technique was found to be more effective as compared to muscle foam roller.