Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to determine whether improving overerall hip joint flexibility by stretching the tight muscles of hip in patients with Flexion dysfunction show any improvement in their lumbar flexion ROM and functional ability. Methodology: 30 subjects with low back pain due to flexion dysfunction were randomly divided into 2 groups. GROUP 1 - received Hold Relax PNF stretching for hip flexors, hamstrings and piriformis muscles along with conventional therapy. GROUP 2 - Received only conventional treatment (Lumbar traction, McKenzie flexion Exercises). Measurements of all dependent variables, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Modified Schober’s Test and hip joint range of motion was measured by using Goniometer prior to the beginning of therapy and after three weeks of therapy. Data Analysis: Data were analyzed using 2 X 2 ANOVA, there was one between factor group with two levels-Manual therapy and conventional therapy) and one within factors (Time)-Pre vs Post). Pair wise post HOC Comparisons were done using Tukey’s HSD using a significance level of 0.05. Results and Conclusion: This study shows that conventional treatment has a role in the management of patients with lumbar flexion dysfunction in improving lumbar range of motion and functional ability. However hip muscles stretching along with conventional treatment has additional effects in the above mentioned variables.
