PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENT: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY (original) (raw)
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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2010
Ylinen, JJ, Kautiainen, HJ, and Hä kkinen, AH. Comparison of active, manual, and instrumental straight leg raise in measuring hamstring extensibility. J Strength Cond Res 24(4): 972-977, 2010-The active manual straight leg raise (ASLR) and passive manual straight leg raise (MSLR) tests are commonly used in clinical settings to assess hamstring tightness. However, to our knowledge, the validity and sensitivity of these tests have not been compared with the instrumental straight leg raise (ISLR). The aim of the present study was to assess the intrarater reproducibility of the ISLR and compare the sensitivity of the ASLR, MSLR, and ISLR to change. Twelve men with hamstring tightness underwent the ASLR, MSLR, and ISLR tests at baseline and after a 4-week home-based right leg stretching program with the left leg serving as a control. The ISLR measurements were repeated consecutively at baseline to assess reproducibility. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the ISLR was 0.94, and the coefficient of reproducibility was 6. Significant differences in the range of motion emerged between all testing methods (p , 0.05). In the stretched legs, the mean 6 SD increases were 17 6 5°for ISLR, 10 6 8°for ASLR, and 6 6 5°for MSLR, whereas the control legs showed a significant mean change only for ASLR (5 6 4°). The mean standard response with the ASLR and MSLR tests did not differentiate between the treated and control legs, but it was almost 10-fold higher in the treated leg than the control leg for the ISLR, clearly differentiating between them. The ISLR had good reproducibility and sensitivity to changes, whereas ASLR and MSLR showed a poor ability to detect changes. Thus, the ISLR test is recommended for use in research evaluating the effectiveness of stretching.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2003
Background: The sit and reach test is the most common flexibility test used in health related fitness test batteries. Objective: To examine and compare three different sit and reach tests as a measure of hamstring flexibility in 102 female students. Method: The traditional sit and reach test, the chair sit and reach test, the back saver sit and reach test, and passive straight leg raise were administered in three trials to all 102 students (mean (SD) age 22 (1) years) on the same day. Results: A Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was significant (p<0.01) for the traditional sit and reach test with back saver sit and reach test and flexibility of hamstrings (r = 0.45 and 0.65 for left and right legs, and 0.63 and 0.53 for left and right legs respectively). Also, the back saver sit and reach test for the left (p<0.01) and right (p<0.05) leg was significantly associated with hamstring flexibility (r = 0.37 and 0.25 for the left leg and 0.50 and 0.44 for the right leg respectively).
The Cut-off Values for the Diagnosis of Hamstring Shortness and Related Factors
Balkan Medical Journal
Flexibility, defined as the rate of muscle tissue lengthening, is one of the important components in maintaining physical fitness (1). Inadequate muscle flexibility can lead to problems related to changes in lower extremity biomechanics. Tight hamstrings affects posture, range of motion of lower limbs (2), and gait pattern (3). Plantar fasciitis (4), Patellofemoral Pain syndrome (5), and low back pain (6) have also been reported to be associated with hamstring tightness. Methods for measuring hamstring flexibility include straight leg raise, sit-and-reach, toe-touch, and knee extension angle tests (active and passive) (7). Although the first three methods are often used, their results are affected by trunk and hip flexibility. Active knee extension (AKE) (8) and passive knee extension (PKE) (9) tests allow for more isolated hamstring evaluations by stabilizing the hip joint. The passive version of AKE (PKE) was designed by claiming that AKE test results depend on the subject's quadriceps strength (9). However, to our knowledge, there is no study that has examined the relationship between quadriceps strength and knee extension angles in the literature. Although the active method is easier as there is no need for a second examiner, several researchers prefer the passive method because of the potential effect of quadriceps strength on AKE values. Although AKE and PKE tests are often used in current studies (4,6), there are few studies that report the tests' normative values. As far as we know, there are only two studies determining the normative values of AKE (10) and PKE (11), and no study has yet reported the cutoff values. The angle values reported by the studies using AKE and PKE tests in evaluating hamstring flexibility are inconsistent (Table 6). The lack of cutoff values leads to the use of inconsistent angle values in determining the hamstring tightness. These inconsistent cutoff values vary over a wide range of 15°-60° (2,12,13). When we consider the age-related changes in flexibility, it Background: Hamstrings are one of the most frequently evaluated muscle groups for flexibility in the lower extremity. Passive and active knee extension angle values are used as an indirect indicator of hamstring flexibility. However, the lack of consensus on the cutoff values leads to the use of inconsistent angle values in determining the hamstring tightness. Aims: To establish the normative and cutoff values of the passive and active knee extension angles for healthy young adults and to determine the associated factors including the quadriceps strength. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 123 volunteer university students, aged 18-24 years, who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Passive and active knee extension assessments of the subjects were performed. Subsequently, on the next day, both knee extensor concentric muscle strength of the participants was measured in the isokinetic system. The knee extension angles and the knee extensor strength were recorded as the mean values of the right and the left sides. Results: Passive knee extension angles of 17.1°±9.1° and 9.8°±5.7° and active knee extension angles of 17.8°±9.1° and 13.4°±6° were described as normative values in men and women, respectively. The cutoff values for the diagnosis of hamstring shortness were as follows: passive knee extension angle >32.2° for males and >19.2° for females and active knee extension angle >33.0° for males and >23.4° for females. A significant positive correlation was observed between knee extension angles and isokinetic knee extensor muscle strength in all participants. The knee extension angle and hamstring flexibility were not affected by dominance. Conclusion: The knee extension angles of healthy young people seem to be lower than the results currently reported in the literature. There s a positive correlation between knee extension angles and isokinetic knee extensor muscle strength.
Purpose: To find and compare the effectiveness of standing and supine hamstrings stretching techniques in increasing hamstring flexibility. Methods: A Total of 25 subjects were selected for the study from girl’s hostel at NIMS University by random sampling. The design used was experimental design. A plastic hand held full circle goniometer was used to measure the hamstring flexibility. Crossbar was used to maintain hip in 90 degree flexion during active knee extension test.A stop watch was used for the time management. Results: The change in Pre stretching and Post stretching values of knee extension ramge of motion(in degrees) was 9.77+5.54 in right and 9.66+4.35 .The comparison of post stretching mean range of motion was 145.27 while standing and 143.61 while in supine position. The mean increase range of motion by standing ans supine hamstring stretching technique were 9.77 on standing and 9.66 while in supine position. Conclusion: Improvement in the knee extension range of motion as calculated were approximately equal. The “t” value calculated was 0.11, which was not significant at any level. Thus, standing hamstring and supine hamstring stretching techniques are equally effective in improving hamstring flexibility.
Concurrent Validity of Four Clinical Tests Used to Measure Hamstring Flexibility
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2008
The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity of 4 clinical tests used to measure hamstring muscle length. A pilot study (N = 10) was conducted to determine the intratester reliability of 4 hamstring length measures: knee extension angle (KEA), sacral angle (SA), straight leg raise (SLR), and sit and reach (SR). The pilot investigation revealed good to excellent intratester reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92-0.95) for each of the 4 tests. Eighty-one subjects (42 men and 39 women) participated in the main investigation. Subjects were randomly tested for each of 4 assessments of hamstring length. Concurrent validity was determined using linear regression, correlation, and k statistics. Correlation coefficients corresponding to the concurrent validity of the six combinations of the 4 clinical tests revealed poor to fair correlation (r = 0.45-0.65). The correlation coefficients for each pair from greatest to least were SR-SA= 0.65, SLR-SR = 0.65, KEA-SLR = 0.63, KEA-SR = 0.57, SLR-SA = 0.50, and KEA-SA = 0.45. Despite the common clinical use of these measures to assess hamstring length, these tests do not have sufficient concurrent validity to be used interchangeably or to assume that they each measure the same construct (hamstring length). Based on the results of this investigation and a review of the literature, the authors recommend that researchers, clinicians, and strength and conditioning specialists adopt the KEA test as the gold standard measure for hamstring muscle length.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 2021
Background: The hamstring group is an example of muscles which is commonly found to be shortened. Hamstring tightness is caused by extended or prolonged sitting at work places and educational institutions, inadequate physical activity, genetic predisposition, previous injury to hamstring. Objectives: To assess the hamstring flexibility in college students along with their sitting hours and physical activity. Material & Methods: 150 students of college of physiotherapy were included via convenient sampling in the study. Popliteal angle was measured using active knee extension test (AKE). All students’ sitting hours and physical activity were noted. Results: In this study, mean values of popliteal Angle was higher than 20 degree. There was a significant difference correlation between popliteal angle and sitting hours as well as physical activity (p value <0.05). Conclusion: This study showed tightness of hamstring in college students. There is a significant increase in tightness wi...
The acute effect of kinesio taping on hamstring extensibility in university students
The aim and rationale of our study was to determine the acute effect of kinesio taping on the extensibility of the hamstring muscle among university students. Design: An intra-subject experimental design was used to evaluate the possible acute effects of KT using the Xshaped taping technique in order to affect hamstring muscle extensibility. Method: Forty-three healthy university students (age 21.98 ± 4.68 years, body mass 71.50 ± 13.49 kg, height 172.35 ± 8.17 cm) were assessed for hamstring flexibility. All participants had both legs tested under three different randomly ordered conditions (kinesio tape, sham tape and control) using the Passive Straight Leg Raise Test. All measurements were made during the same testing session. Participants performed three sets of tests, each set measured twice, to determine hamstring extensibility in both legs. There was a 12 minute rest period between each set and a one minute break between each repetition. Results: An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurements showed no statistically significant differences either in the right (p=0.503) or the left leg (p=0.948) between the three study conditions. Conclusions: The application of kinesio taping does not seem to acutely increase hip flexion range of motion in healthy subjects.
Prevalence of Hamstring Tightness in Physically Active and Inactive College Going Students
Research Square (Research Square), 2023
Background The hamstring is a very important part of exibility in the human body. The tightness in the muscle is due to the decrease in the ability of the muscle to deform. It is the inability to achieve more than 160º of knee extension when the hip is exed to 90º due to tightness. The study was carried out to nd the prevalence of hamstring tightness in physically active & inactive college-going students. Method In this non-experimental cross-sectional study 100 participants were included. The study was performed on normal healthy individuals. The study excluded persons with low back pain and recent hamstring injury within less than 2 months. The tightness was measured by using the AKE test. Three measurements were taken and an average of their reading was noted. Result This study concludes that there is an equal prevalence of developing hamstring tightness in both young male & female participants. Hence increased physical activity is advised to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion The prevalence of hamstring tightness is very high among college-going students in the age group between 18-25 years between the angle 45º-60º.
International Journal of Research Publications, 2021
Background: The hamstring muscle is one of the lower extremity muscles that has shortened tendency. Shortening hamstring muscle, that called hamstring tightness, is associated with decreased extensibility of the hamstring muscles and pelvic tilt angle. Static stretching exercise is one of the stretching exercise methods that is used to increase hamstring muscle length. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of static stretching exercise on hamstring muscle extensibility and pelvic tilt angle in hamstring tightness. Material/Methods: Quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design. The subjects of this study were 28 male students, who were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group and control group both consisted of 14 people. the hamstring muscle extensibility will be measured by examining active knee extension (AKE) and pelvic tilt angle will be measured with an inclinometer, which will be evaluated in four weeks in both groups. Result: Static stretching exercise had a significant effect on increasing the extensibility of hamstring muscles (p < 0.05) when compared to the control group. Meanwhile, static stretching exercise does not have a significant effect on the pelvic tilt angle (p > 0.05) as well as the control group. Furthermore, there is no correlation between the value of hamstring muscle extensibility and pelvic tilt angle after the intervention (p > 0.05).
Negah Institute for Social Research & Scientific Communication , 2021
Flexibility is an essential component of muscle function, and insufficient muscle flexibility may lead to muscle injuries. Decreased hamstring flexibility is one of the frequently reported risk factors for a hamstring strain and diminished athletic performance. Stretching is a commonly used intervention for increasing muscle length. There is a lack of evidence concerning the possible effects of hamstring stretching in balance and gait biomechanics. So, this study was designed to investigate the potential effects of static hamstring stretching on the range of motion (ROM), dynamic balance, and biomechanical variables of gait in athletes with hamstring tightness. Materials and Methods: This study is a single-group, pretest-posttest clinical trial performed on semi-professional female athletes. Twelve female athletes aged 20 to 35 years with bilateral hamstring tightness received a single session of unilateral static hamstring stretching on their randomly selected side. All subjects were assessed for straight leg raise, popliteal angle (using standard goniometry), perceived hamstring tightness (using a visual analog scale). They completed single-leg standing and 15-m walking and running tasks before and immediately after the intervention. The biomechanical parameters, including gait-line length, swing duration, and stance duration in walking tasks, maximum total force and mean total force in running task, and center of pressure (COP) displacement and standard deviation during balance task were measured using OpenGo sensor insole system. The pre-post values were compared using the paired sample t-test, and the level of significance was 0.05. Results: The values for straight leg raise and popliteal angle significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with the baseline, while perceived tightness significantly decreased following stretching (P<0.001). The amplitude (P₌0.006) and standard deviation (P₌0.016) of COP displacement in the mediolateral direction during the single leg stance balance task were significantly decreased after the intervention. Stance duration in slow walking (P₌0.004), as well as stance duration (P₌0.012) and swing duration (P<0.001) in fast walking, were significantly decreased (P<0.05) after stretching. No change was observed in gait biomechanical variables during the running test (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that static hamstring stretching can be a promising intervention not just for increasing hamstring flexibility but also for improving balance ability.