To determine the acute hemodynamic response to 10 sets of passive stretching exercises preform with or without valsalva maneuver

Flexibility is considered a component of physical fitness that is related to health and flexibility training is recommended in different contexts. Muscle contraction during stretching exercise might increase hemodynamic response which appears to be influenced by the amount of activated muscle mass and intensity of stretching. These changes are primarily mediated by type 3 afferent fibers which are sensitive to mechanical stress. The stimulation of these peripheral mechanoreceptors includes Vagal withdrawal and increase sympathetic activity .The Valsalva maneuver is a forceful attempted exhalation against a closed airway. It can be used to clear the ears, unintentionally during coughing or a bowel movement or as a Diagnostic or treatment aid. There is a increase in heart rate blood pressure and rate pressure product due to Valsalva maneuver. The influence of the Valsalva maneuver during flexibility training routine is also requires investigation because cardiovascular response are probably greater when is perform. This maneuver might frequently be used during stretching exercise especially in case of less flexible individuals due to difficult reaching and sustaining extreme range of motion for several seconds from a practical perspective studying these variables is important because variable such as the set number length stimulus interval between sets and training method likely affect the hemodynamic responses to acute stretching exercise .although previous studies have shown that acute stretching exercise include transient hemodynamic response, the pattern of this response is controversial. So the objective of study was to compare the acute response of blood pressure, Heart rate and rate pressure product during 10 sets of passive static stretching of hamstring muscle perform with or without Valsalva maneuver. Method: 100 subjects with hamstring tightness with Maximum ROM of 125° for unilateral knee extension and with no previous flexibility training experience were enrolled and divided into 2 groups randomly. Group A- stretching exercise was giving for 30secs for 10 sets along with Valsalva maneuver where active breath hold was done for last 15secs of each set. Group B- stretching exercise was giving for 30secs for 10 sets without breath hold. Heart rate, blood pressure were measured before and after intervention. Result: when comparison was made between post hemodynamic parameters, heart rate, blood pressure and rate pressure product was significantly increased in Group A. Conclusion: 10 sets of hamstring stretching with Valsalva maneuver significantly increase heart rate, blood pressure and rate pressure product. The performance of Valsalva maneuver intensified all hemodynamic response, which resulted in significant increase in cardiac work during stretching exercise.