Effectiveness of Adding Lower Extremity Isotonic Exercise on Hamstring Flexibility of Hajj Pilgrims Who Receive Walking Aerobic Exercise

Abstract

ABSTRACT  Introduction: Hajj is a pilgrimage that is mostly carried out walking. One of the muscles that plays an important role in walking activities is hamstring muscle. The hamstring muscles often experience shortening (tightness), so exercises to increase the flexibility of the hamstring muscles are something that needs to be done. The goals of this study is to investigate the effect of adding lower extremity isotonic exercise on hamstring flexibility in hajj pilgrims who receive walking aerobic exercise. Method: A randomized controlled trial was used for this research. A total of 36 individuals were divided into an 18-person treatment group and an 18-person control group. The groups received walking aerobic exercises five times a week and the treatment group were added lower extremity isotonic exercise twice a week. A sit-and-reach test was used to evaluate hamstring flexibility both before and after a six-week course of treatment. Result: After six weeks, there was a significant increase in hamstring flexibility in both the treatment group (p=0.0000) and the control group (p=0.0001). The treatment group experienced a significantly better improvement in hamstring flexibility (5,39 ± 3,47) compared to the control group. (2,17 ± 1,79) (p=0,001). Conclusion: Adding lower extremity isotonic exercise can significantly increase hamstring flexibility higher than aerobic walking exercise alone in hajj pilgrims. Keyword:  hajj pilgrims, hamstring flexibility, aerobic walking exercise, lower extremity isotonic exercise