PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a positional release therapy (PRT) technique proposed to increase hamstring flexibility. METHODS: Using a crossover design with random assignment, 33 subjects (mean age 24 years) who had decreased hamstring flexibility (mean deficit in knee extension 24 degrees), but no history of major trauma or underlying pathology, received either a true or a sham PRT technique applied to the hamstrings of the right and left limbs. Hamstring flexibility was assessed before and after each technique by measuring the popliteal angle during maximal active knee extension performed in sitting. A blinded evaluator measured popliteal angles on digital photographs using a standard protractor. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the true and sham treatment techniques in the change in popliteal angle for the right (mean difference 0.1 degrees; 95% CI -1.5 to 1.6 degrees) and left (mean difference 0.2 degrees; 95% CI -1.5 to 1.9 degrees) limbs. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the PRT technique evaluated is not effective in otherwise healthy subjects with decreased hamstring flexibility. Future studies should evaluate the effect of PRT techniques in subjects with a clear history of trauma or defined pathology.

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