Comparison of Two Sit and Reach Tests for Measurement of Hamstring Flexibility in Female University Physiotherapy Students

Abstract

Background: Sit and reach test is commonly used for measuring the flexibility for hamstrings muscle. Objective: To compare two sit and reach test for measurement of hamstrings flexibility in 60 females physiotherapy students. Method: Sit and Reach test, Back Saver Sit and Reach test and Straight leg measurements were taken that was administrated after 5 minutes warm-up and stretching on the same day with rest period of 20 minutes in between the tests. Results: The value of correlation between hamstring flexibility and BSSR Test of Right leg (r) is 0.51 and value of correlation between hamstring flexibility and BSSR Test of Left leg is (r) is 0.57 whereas the value of correlation between hamstring flexibility of Right leg and SR Test (r) is 0.24 and value of correlation between hamstring flexibility of Left leg and SR Test is (r) is 0.56. Conclusion: The results indicated that back saver sit and reach test produces reasonably accurate and stable measures of hamstring flexibility. Moreover, it appeared that this test was safe and acceptable alternative to the sit and reach test as a measure of hamstring flexibility in young females.