ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Hamstring muscle is actively involved in various activities of daily living like walking, stair climbing etc. The flexibility of Hamstring muscle is found to be commonly compromised among various age groups. This may be due to ineffective use of the muscle to full extensibility in routine activities. Padahastasana is a yogasana in standing position which induces maximum stretch to posterior structures of thigh including Hamstring muscle. AIMS:This study aims to investigate the effect of Padahastasana in improving flexibility of Hamstring muscle SETTINGS AND DESIGN:Experimental Design with random sampling method conducted among 20 subjects. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Subjects were recruited for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using sit and reach box - a standardized tool to measure Hamstring flexibility. The selected subjects were taught the technique of Padahastasana and practiced for twelve weeks – six times in a day and minimum five days per week. After twelve weeks of practice, hamstring flexibility was assessed using sit and reach box. STATISTICALANALYSIS:Analysis was conducted using't' test Results: The study showed significant improvement (t value – 13.01 at p≤0.05) in Hamstring muscle flexibility by performing 12 weeks Padahastasana practice. CONCLUSIONS: Padahastasana can be recommended to prevent and treat Hamstring muscle tightness