Investigation of relationships between passive moment at the hip and tibial translation, dynamic strength and anthropometric measurements in healthy adult males

Abstract

BackgroundStretching techniques are frequently employed to modify ‘stiffness’ of muscles and therefore increase range of motion. Strengthening exercises are often prescribed in an effort to increase joint stability. However, there is little known about the relationships between muscle stiffness, baseline strength, and joint range of motion or joint laxity. Learning more about baseline relationships could lead to future research into how modification of these factors could contribute to rehabilitation or injury prevention. MethodsPassive resistance in both legs was measured using a force transducer and inclinometry as part of a large crossover study. Hip passive resistance to force data was plotted and used to explore relationships between passive stiffness of the hamstrings and joint laxity as measured by tibial translation using a calibrated strain gauge. Peak isokinetic torque measurements were compared to both tibial translation and passive stiffness measurements. ResultsNo significant relationship was found between tibial translation and peak torque at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s or 240 deg/s (p = 0.132–p = 0.797), between tibial translation and maximum or interval passive resistance at the hip (p = 0.432–0.989); or between anthropometric measures and passive resistance at the hip (p = 0.092–0.989). There was no relationship between hip range of motion and passive stiffness at the hip (p = 0.416–0.673). ConclusionsThis study supports findings which have concluded a lack of association between anterior tibial translation and peak torque, but does not supported research that associates passive resistance with anthropometric measurements.