Acute Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Sagittal Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt

Pedro López-Miñarro,José Muyor,Felipe Belmonte,Fernando Alacid

doi:10.2478/v10078-012-0007-7

Pedro López-Miñarro, José Muyor + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-0007-7

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine acute effects of hamstring stretching in thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt. Fifty-five adults (29.24 ± 7.41 years) were recruited for this study. Subjects performed a hamstring stretching protocol consisting of four exercises. The session consisted of 3 sets of each exercise and subjects held the position for 20 seconds with a 30-second rest period between sets and exercises. Thoracic and lumbar spinal angles and pelvic tilt were measured with a SpinalMouse in relaxed standing, sit-and-reach test and Macrae & Wright position. Hamstring extensibility was determined by active straight leg raise test and sit-and-reach score. All measures were performed before and immediately after the hamstring stretching protocol. Active straight leg raise angle and sitand-reach score significantly improved immediately after the stretching protocol (p<0.001). Greater anterior pelvic tilt (p<0.001) and lumbar flexion (p<0.05) and a smaller thoracic kyphosis in the sit-and-reach (p<0.001) were found after the stretching protocol. However, stretching produced no significant change on spinal curvatures or pelvic tilt in standing and maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed. In conclusion, static stretching of the hamstring is associated to an immediate change in the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic position when performing trunk flexion with knees extended, so that allowing for greater lumbar flexion and anterior pelvic tilt and lower thoracic kyphosis. Hamstring stretching is recommended prior to sport activities involving trunk flexion with the knees straight.

Highlights

The effects of stretching exercises on hamstring extensibility are a topic of continued interest to researchers
Hamstring stretching has been related to an acute improvement in hip flexion with knee extended or active and passive knee extension with the hip flexed to 90o (Halbertsma et al, 1996; Spernoga et al, 2001)
There was a significant decrease in thoracic kyphosis (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

The effects of stretching exercises on hamstring extensibility are a topic of continued interest to researchers. Hamstring flexibility is an important variable because reduced extensibility has been proposed as a predisposing factor for injuries (Hartig and Herderson, 1999), non-specific low back pain (Jones et al, 2005), and changes in lumbopelvic rhythm (Esola et al, 1996). Several studies have analyzed the acute effects of hamstring stretching on extensibility (Nelson, 2006; Youdas et al, 2010; O’hora et al, 2011; Puentedura et al, 2011). Hamstring stretching has been related to an acute improvement in hip flexion with knee extended (straight leg raise test) or active and passive knee extension with the hip flexed to 90o (Halbertsma et al, 1996; Spernoga et al, 2001)

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