Comparison of The Effects of Static and PNF Hamstring Stretching Exercises in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Year 2026, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 79 - 88, 31.01.2026

İlke Kara Öz , Nihal Gelecek , Gönül Uraloğlu

https://doi.org/10.30621/jbachs.1753855

Abstract

Aim: To determine and compare the effects of static and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) hamstring stretching exercises on hamstring flexibility, pain, functional status, and dynamic balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
Materials and Methods: A total of 36 symptomatic patients with KOA were randomly assigned to two groups as Static Hamstring Stretching (SHS; n=18) and PNF-Hamstring Stretching (PNF-HS; n=18) and exercises were applied in addition to a standard physiotherapy program consisting of Hot-pack, Ultrasound and TENS for 12 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated with Visual Pain Scale (VAS), Active Knee Extension Test (AKET), The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
Results: Both stretching exercises statistically improved knee pain, AKET, WOMAC scores (p<.05) except for the TUG test in the PNF-HS group. However, SHS exercise leads to more decreased activity pain and improved WOMAC score (p<.05).
Conclusions: Both SHS and PNF-HS exercises in addition to a standard physiotherapy program improved knee pain, hamstring flexibility, WOMAC score, and dynamic balance in patients with KOA. Moreover, SHS exercises were more efficacious for improving activity pain and WOMAC scores. No harm, unintended effects, or complications were observed in any of the type stretching exercises.

Keywords

Osteoarthritis , knee , proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation , stretching , pain

Ethical Statement

The study was approved by the Dokuz Eylul University Ethical Committee for Non-Invasive Research (Protocol Number:4507-GOA) according to Helsinki Declaration. All patients gave their written informed consent.

Comparison of The Effects of Static and PNF Hamstring Stretching Exercises in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

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