Effect of Tissue Flossing, AIS, PNF on Hamstring Among Knee OA Patients

Tissue flossing is a technique that requires wrapping of a thick rubber band around a joint or muscle concomitantly performing ROM tasks for 1-3 minutes. The results include increase in range of motion and a decrease in pain of the effected muscles. The phenomenon behind getting results through this technique is hypothesized to be blood reperfusion to an occluded area via tissue flossing augments exercise performance mechanisms such as growth hormone, catecholamine responses, muscle force contractility and the efficiency of excitation-contraction coupling in the muscles. In addition, tissue flossing may influence fascia tightness via the fascial mechanoreceptors, therefore reducing muscle activity, resulting in a greater ROM. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism for tissue flossing, these mechanisms remain speculative.

"AIS is a specific stretching program developed by Aaron Mattes. This technique is based on these four basic principles:~Isolate the muscle to be stretched. Repeat the stretch eight to 10 times. Hold each stretch for no more than two seconds. Exhale on the stretch; inhale on the release."

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique has already been found to have beneficial effects in improving hamstring flexibility and reducing pain in the knee joint of knee OA patients