Background and Purpose: Hamstring tightness is common in young adults and linked to reduced mobility and low back pain risk. Mulligan Bent Leg Raise (BLR) and Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR) are manual therapy techniques used to improve hamstring flexibility and straight leg raise (SLR) range, yet direct comparisons of their immediate effects in asymptomatic individuals are limited. This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of a single session of BLR versus TSLR on SLR range and hamstring flexibility in young adults with hamstring tightness. Methodology: A single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 healthy young adults (aged 18–30 years) with hamstring tightness. Participants were randomized into BLR or TSLR groups (n=20 each). Interventions were applied in a single 10-15 minute session. The Primary outcome is SLR range, and active knee extension (AKE) deficit is a secondary outcome that was assessed pre- and post-intervention using goniometry by blinded assessors. Results: Both techniques significantly improved outcomes (p<0.001). BLR produced substantially greater immediate gains in SLR range and AKE deficit reduction compared to TSLR, with highly significant between-group differences (p<0.001) and large to extremely large effect sizes. Conclusion: A single session of Mulligan BLR is superior to TSLR for immediate enhancement of SLR range and hamstring flexibility in young adults with tightness, supporting its preference for rapid, pain-free mobility restoration.
Dr. Naga Satish Kumar Buraka2 Harimanikyam Anil Kumar1* (Sun,) studied this question.