Comparative Effects Of Muscle Energy Technique And Bowen Technique In Prolonged Standing Individuals With Calf Tightness

Abstract

Calf muscle tightness is a prevalent issue among people who stand for extended periods of time. This tightness leads to decreased flexibility, restricted range of motion (ROM), and increased pain, adversely affecting lower limb function.  This study aims to compare the effects of MET and Bowen Technique in individuals with calf tightness due to prolonged standing. In this RCT study, participants were randomly allocated to group A receiving METs and group B receiving Bowen Therapy intervention using a lottery method. Lower extremity function (was measured via Lower Extremity Functional Scale-questionnaire), pain intensity (were measured using the Numerical Rating Scale), and ankle dorsiflexion flexibility (weight bearing lunge test) before the start of the intervention and after the intervention. 

The study results revealed significant improvement in pain (p< 0.05), ankle dorsiflexion (p< 0.05) and functionality (p< 0.05) in both METs and Bowen technique groups. Statistically significant improvement was observed in METs group rather than Bowen technique in reducing pain (p< 0.05), and enhancing ankle dorsiflexion (p< 0.05) and functionality (p<

0.05) in young individual with calf muscle tightness. The study concluded that both METs and Bowen technique showed notable advantages, but METs was especially successful in lowering pain and enhancing range of motion and function in individuals with calf muscle tightness.