Comparative Effects of Bowen’s Technique and Mulligan Bent Leg Raise Technique on Range of Motion and Function in Kabaddi Players with Hamstring Tightness

Abstract

Background: Hamstring tightness is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue among kabaddi players, often leading to reduced range of motion, impaired function, and increased injury risk. Although multiple manual therapy techniques exist, comparative evidence between Bowen’s Technique and Mulligan’s Bent Leg Raise (BLR) Technique in athletic populations remains scarce. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of Bowen’s Technique and Mulligan’s BLR Technique on hamstring flexibility, range of motion, and lower extremity functional outcomes in kabaddi players diagnosed with hamstring tightness. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 44 male kabaddi players aged 18–30 years (n = 44), randomly allocated into two intervention groups. Group A received Bowen’s Technique and Group B received Mulligan’s BLR for 6 weeks. Inclusion criteria included hamstring tightness with 20°–50° loss of active knee extension. Participants with neurological symptoms, recent surgeries, or lower limb injuries were excluded. Outcome measures included Active Knee Extension Test (AKET), Finger-to-Floor Test (FTF), Sit-and-Reach Test (SAR), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Ethical approval was obtained from the Riphah Institutional Review Board following the Helsinki Declaration. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25. Paired and independent T-tests were applied based on normality tests. Results: Both interventions significantly improved AKET (Right: Bowen 8.13° vs. Mulligan 9.92°, p < 0.001), FTF, SAR, and LEFS (Bowen: 12.18; Mulligan: 14.28; p < 0.001 within groups). Between-group post-intervention comparison showed statistically significant improvement in AKET for the right leg in the Mulligan group (p < 0.050), while other outcomes showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Both Bowen’s and Mulligan’s techniques effectively enhanced hamstring flexibility and functional capacity in kabaddi players, with Mulligan’s BLR showing slightly superior outcomes in active knee extension. These results support the clinical application of both methods in sports rehabilitation to optimize lower limb performance and injury prevention.