Influence of short hamstring muscles on the pelvis and lumbar spine in standing and during the toe-touch test

Abstract

This study examined the influence of short hamstring muscles of healthy men on: (1) the angles of pelvic inclination and the lumbar curve in standing, and (2) the flexion range of motion of the pelvis and lumbar spine during the toe-touch test. Surface markers over bony landmarks and photography were used to examine ten men without short hamstrings and ten men with short hamstrings while standing and after assuming the toe-touch position for two repeated trials. ANOVAS showed no significant differences between groups for the angles of pelvic inclination and lumbar curve in standing. During the toe-touch test, the mean flexion range of motion of the pelvis on the thigh was less for the men with short hamstrings (52°; SD, 9°) than for the men without short hamstrings (72°; SD, 4°) (P < 0.001), but the lumbar flexion range of motion was not significantly different.