Abstract
Introduction: The concept of myofascial chains or meridians emphasises the interconnectedness of the musculoskeletal system. There is a correlation between the counteracting forces applied by the knee and lower back regions. Fatigue in the quadriceps femoris muscle can lead to increased activation of the lumbar muscles. Accelerated exhaustion of the lumbar muscles during isometric trunk extension correlates with heightened suppression of the quadriceps muscles. The strength of the quadriceps muscles sets a limit on the ability to lift objects or sustain back injuries. Aim: To establish relationship between hamstring-quadriceps strength ratio and lumbar flexibility among college going individuals. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, from October 2023 to November 2023. The study comprised 15 volunteers, aged 18 to 25, who were regular college-going students with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and have no active cardiovascular or musculoskeletal conditions. An evaluation was made that included isokinetic dynamometer strength ratio (duration for strength ratio evaluation was 10 minutes for each subject) and Schober test (duration for flexibility evaluation was 5 minutes for each subject). Participants followed test thrice at the same time. Results: Normality of data was determined by using Shapiro–Wilk test which showed not normal distribution. The peak hamstringquadriceps ratio was generated from bilateral limb, which showed fair correlation to performance of composite score of Schober test in individuals going college regularly (r=-0.594; p<0.05). Conclusion: Lumbar flexibility can be dependent on Hamstring and quadriceps strength ratio among healthy individuals. The clinical implication of the present study is improving strength ratio of Hamstring and quadriceps can be an effective measure to increase lumbar flexibility and reduce low back injuries.
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