Conclusion
The results of our study support the use of either an
active or passive stretching program to increase ROM
presumably by increasing the flexibility of tight hip
flexors in relatively young patients with low back pain
and lower-extremity complaints. Further work is necessary
to determine if the 2 methods are equally effective
for improving flexibility of other muscle groups or if
active stretching improves the function of the antagonist
muscles more than does use of a passive stretching
protocol.