Hamstrings stretching effects on sprinters flexibility and speed-assessment by ROM tool

Background: Hamstring tightness is prevalent among sprinters, causing discomfort and performance reduction, leading to reduction in Sprinters' flexibility and speed. Absolute measurement of flexibility Range of motion is vital for selection of therapeutic strategies and evaluation of therapeutic effects. The research compared static stretching (SS) with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation stretching (PNFS) in sprinters and measured Movement and speed. Methodology: The conducted at the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP), Athletic Academy, Andhra Pradesh, India. 80 male sprinters aged 16- 22 recruited as per criteria and randomized into SS (n=40) and PNFS (n=40) groups. Subjects Age, BMI, hamstring flexibility, and Speed were documented before and after 12-weeks. 400-meter synthetic track used for 30- meter sprint test. The Pheezee® tool a wearable device was used for range of motion (ROM) measurement, which can track the ROM of Knee joint during stretching and recovery The device is USFDA [510(k) exempt] cleared. Results and Conclusion: ROM tool improved the sensitivity of ROM recording. Pre and post-flexibility changes within group were statistically significant, although across groups were comparable, showing both approaches work. The study found statistically significant differences in athlete speed within and between groups. Speed increases were better in PNFS than in SS. The contractrelax approach elongates muscle and stabilizes tone during the PNF stretch contraction phase. This result may be attributed to inherent neurological processes involved in PNF stretch.