PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS WITH ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG STUDENTS AT IQRA NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SWAT CAMPUS

Abstract

Background: Hamstring muscle tightness is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues that significantly affects posture, flexibility, and daily activities. University students are at a high risk for the disorder due to prolonged sitting during lectures, limited physical activity, and a lack of regular stretching exercises that may contribute to hamstring tightness. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of hamstring tightness among students, including both males and females, from all departments at Iqra National University, Swat Campus. Methodology: The study was conducted during the spring 2025 session using Stratified Random Sampling as the sampling method, and a total of 313 students were included in the study, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. An outcome physical test known as the Passive Knee Extension (PKE) test was used to assess hamstring tightness. Results: The study results showed that the prevalence of hamstring tightness in the right leg was 285 (91.1%), and in the left leg, it was 282 (90.1%). The prevalence of gender was higher among females, at 96 (92.3%) in the right leg, while it was 92 (88.5%) in the left leg. Males showed 189 (90.4%) in the right leg and 190 (90.9%) in the left leg. In terms of severity, Normal were (8.9%), Mild was (17.6%), Moderate were (32.6%) and Severe were (40.9%). Department-wise prevalence was highest in English and BBA departments (100%), and was lowest in DPT department (80.8%). Prolong sitting was highly associated with hamstring tightness. In the bottom line, overall prevalence was observed 92%. Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence was higher in the right leg than in the left leg. Female participants showed a higher prevalence than male participants. In terms of severity right leg is prone to severe severity while left leg has moderate severity. Most departments showed a higher prevalence, while the lowest prevalence was observed in the DPT and BS CS department and Prolong sitting was highly associated with hamstring tightness.