European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF MULLIGAN BENT LEG RAISE VERSUS TRACTION STRAIGHT LEG RAISE ON HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY AND STRAIGHT LEG RAISE RANGE IN SUBJECTS WITH HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Harimanikyam Anil Kumar*, Dr. Naga Satish Kumar Buraka

ABSTRACT

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 postintervention
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, painfree
mobility restoration.

Keywords: Mulligan Bent Leg Raise, Traction Straight Leg Raise, hamstring tightness, straight leg raise, hamstring flexibility.