ABSTRACT

Background: Basketball is one of the most popular physical activities in the world. Eleven percent of world's population plays recreational basketball. Basketball requires complex movements, including jumping, turning, twis?ng and rapid direc?on changes. Therefore, players need adequate balance and flexibility to perform high-intensity movements. Hamstring muscle is the most common group of muscles to get tightened, which affects dynamic balance and vertical jump. MET has been demonstrated to be more effective in improving the extensibility of shortened muscles. Jack-knife stretching is an effective dynamic self-stretching technique for the hamstrings. Methodology: A comparative study was conducted on 50 basketball players aged 14–18 years from sports academies in Ahmedabad, selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (n=25 each). Group A received Muscle Energy Technique (post- isometric relaxation), while Group B received Jack-Knife Stretching. Outcomes were assessed using the AKE Test, Sargent Jump Test, and SEBT. Interventions were performed three times per week for four Weeks.Result: Between group A and B, the AKE test, Sargent jump test, and SEBT showed statistically significant improvement in their mean scores between the baseline and the fourth week. Statistically, muscle energy technique was found to be more effective compared to jack knife stretching. Conclusion: In this research, there is significant difference found between muscle energy technique in comparison with jack knife stretching. Keywords: Muscle energy technique (post isometric relaxation technique), Jack knife stretching, Active knee extension test, Sargent jump test, Star excursion balance test, Hamstring flexibility, Basketball
Publication date: 2026/10/01

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/October/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10560.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.10.10560