Active Straight Leg Raise Test Research Articles

The association of hamstring tightness with lumbar lordosis and trunk flexibility in healthy individuals: gender analysis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate if there is a relation between hamstring tightness and lumbar lordosis as well as trunk flexibility based on gender differences and to analyze the differences in hamstring tightness, lumber lordosis and trunk flexibility in healthy adults. Methods: One hundred young healthy adults were recruited and distributed into 2 equal groups according to gender: group A (female group) and group B (male group). Hamstring tightness (HT) was measured by Active Knee Extension (AKE) test and Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test, the angle of lumbar lordosis was measured with a flexible ruler from standing position and trunk flexion flexibility (TFF) was measured by Fingertip-to-Floor Test. Results: There was a significant correlation between TFF and both measures of HT (SLR, p = 0.001; AKE, p = 0.001) in females. While, there was a non-significant correlation in males (SLR, p = 0.900; AKE, p = 0.717). Moreover, there was a non-significant correlation between lumbar lordosis and HT measures in both groups as (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there were significant differences between males and females in hamstring flexibility, TFF and lumbar lordosis as (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gender differences in the relationship between hamstring tightness and trunk flexion flexibility are significant. However, there was no significant difference between males and females in the relationship between hamstring tightness and lumbar lordosis.

Comparing the Effects of Lumbar-pelvic and Pelvic Belts on the Activity of Pelvic Muscles in Pregnant Women With Back and Pelvic Pain

Objective The physical and hormonal changes occur in pregnant women, which may cause skeletal and muscular discomforts and back and pelvic pain. If the pelvic muscles mechanism is damaged, pelvic joints may have less stability, and the joint is more exposed to shearing force. As a result of this condition, the activity pattern of these muscles of the lumbar region may change, increased muscle activity compensates for the anterior forces, and bending moments may occur, especially when the abdomen volume is increased. In previous studies, the activity of pelvic muscles in the test of active straight leg raise (ASLR) was evaluated in pregnant women without using a pelvic belt. These belts are strapped at the level of the pelvic ring and do not fully support the lumbar region. The lumbar-pelvic belt can extend below the lower angle of the scapula, completely covering the lumbar region and supporting the waist and pelvis simultaneously. As a result, the whole body acts as a unit compared to a pelvic belt. The present study aims to compare the effect of the lumbar-pelvic belt with the pelvic belt in the activity of the pelvic muscles during the ASLR test of the lower limb in pregnant women with back and pelvic pain. Materials &amp; Methods This was a clinical trial study on 48 pregnant women with pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain referred to the Kawsar Specialized and Subspecialty Clinic in Arak City, Iran. The sampling method was convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion. All participants completed the written consent form, and then they were randomly divided into three groups: lumbar-pelvic belt (14 women), pelvic belt (14 women), and control (20 women). First, a demographic questionnaire was completed by the participants. Then the pelvic muscles’ muscle activity was evaluated using surface electromyography during the ASLR test at the beginning of the study and then three weeks later. Covariance analysis was used in SPSS version 26 software for data analysis, and the significance level was considered 0.05. Results After three weeks of using the devices, the activity of the right rectus femoris, left rectus femoris, right biceps femoris, and left biceps femoris muscles decreased in both groups who used the belts and increased in the control group during the ASLR test. The activity of the right biceps femoris and left biceps femoris muscles in the lumbar-pelvic belt group was significantly reduced compared to the pelvic belt group (P&lt;0.001). Although the activity level of the right rectus femoris and left rectus femoris muscles in the lumbar-pelvic belt group decreased more than the pelvic belt group, this decrease was not statistically significant. Conclusion The activity of the rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles during the ASLR test decreased in both groups using the pelvic belts and increased in the control group after three weeks. This finding shows the effect of both pelvic belts on improving pelvic muscle activity. However, the lumbar-pelvic belt had a greater impact on improving the activity of the biceps femoris muscles than the pelvic belt during the ASLR test.

The association between Diastasis recti abdominis and pelvic floor dysfunction, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and quality of life among postpartum women after Cesarean delivery

Abstract Purpose The goal of this study is to see if there's a predictive relationship between diastasis rectus abdominis and pelvic floor dysfunction, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and postpartum women's health-related quality of life. Method This cross-sectional, correlative study focused on 32 postpartum mothers aged 18 to 45 years old. Real Ultrasound Sonographic Imaging (RUSI) was used to determine DRA. The Pelvic Floor Disability Index was used to assess pelvic floor dysfunction (PFDI). The Active Straight Leg Raise Test (ASLR), the Long Dorsal Sacral Ligament Test (LDL), and the Posterior Pelvic Provocation Test (P4) were also investigated. The Short Form-12 (SF-12) Survey was used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Results A negative correlation between DRA and postpartum period was recorded (ρ=0.0001). The following categories showed a significant positive correlation between DRA and Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6) corelated positively with DRA (ρ =0.01); Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRAD-8) (ρ =0.02); Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) (ρ =0.00). There was no correlation between DRA and sacroiliac joint dysfunction (ρ =0.8). Conclusion DRA was discovered to be a strong predictor of pelvic floor dysfunction, such as prolapse, colorectal-anal dysfunction, and urine distress. There was no evidence of a link between DRA and sacroiliac joint dysfunction or HRQoL.

남녀 대학생의 FMS ASLR 검사 점수와 발목 및 고관절의 가동성, 코어 안정성의 관계

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between active straight leg raise(ASLR) test scores, ankle dorsiflexion, hip flexion, and extension range of motion(ROM) and core stability of healthy college students. We recruited 48 healthy male and female college students aged 20-29 years. We measured ASLR test scores of functional movement screen(FMS), ankle and hip mobility(ROM of ankle dorsiflexion and hip flexion and extension), and core stability(strength of hip extension and abduction and muscular endurance of lumbar flexion and extension). Data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analyses and the significance level was set to α=.05.BR ASLR test scores correlated with dorsiflexion ROM of the ankle on the dominant and non-dominant sides for male college students(r=.690 [p=.001] and r=.499 [p=.021], respectively). The same correlation was found for the dominant and non-dominant sides of female college students(r=.602 [p=.001] and r=.624 [p=.001], respectively). The correlations between ASLR test scores and dorsiflexion ROM of the ankle on the dominant and non-dominant sides of all participants were r=.408(p=.004) and r=.367(p=.011), respectively. The correlations between ASLR test scores and flexion ROM of the hip joint on the dominant and non-dominant sides for all participants were r=.519 (p=.000) and r=.517 (p=.000), respectively. Additionally, there was a significant correlation(r=-.329 [p=.024]) between the FMS ASLR test scores and strength of hip extension for all participants.BR These results show that the FMS ASLR test scores correlate with dorsiflexion mobility of the ankle for male college students, and with hip flexion mobility for female college students. FMS ASLR test scores did not have a consistently significant relationship with core stability. Therefore, caution is required in the interpretation of the FMS ASLR test scores of healthy young college students aged 20-29 years.

Ultrasound imaging of abdominal muscles activity among women with stress urinary incontinence: case-control study in Poland.

The aim of the present study is the assessment of thickness and percentage change in thickness of the musculus obliquus externus abdominis (OE), musculus obliquus internus abdominis (OI) and musculus transversus abdominis (TrA) among women suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in comparison with healthy controls. The thickness and its percentage changes of the OE, OI and TrA among women with and without SUI were assessed. We observed the reactions of the abdominal muscles among 84 women by means of ultrasound imaging. The thickness of the OE was significantly greater in the SUI group during rest and tension of the lower part of the abdomen. Significant changes were found in the OI for the controls during isometric tension of the abdominal muscles, tension of the lower part of the abdomen, and ASLR (active straight leg raise) test of right leg. The thickness changes in the TrA were significant for the controls during isometric tension of the abdominal muscles. Our results suggest interactions of the pelvic floor and the abdominal muscles during pelvic floor activity, differing in the women with SUI and controls.

Using wireless inertial measurement units for measuring hip range of motion through commonly used clinical tests

Hamstring extensibility is a crucial component of athletic performance and spinal health. In this regard, hip range of motion analysis through standardized clinical tests has been used as a valid and reliable method for measuring hamstring extensibility. Consequently, new inertial devices have been designed for this purpose. The aims of this study were to: (i) analyze the concurrent validity of inertial sensors for measuring hamstring extensibility through the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) and Passive Straight Leg Raise (PSLR) tests; and (ii) analyze the test-retest reliability of inertial sensors for measuring hamstring extensibility through the ASLR and PSLR tests. A total of 18 healthy participants took part in this cross-sectional study. The hamstring extensibility was measured through the range of motion of the left and right hip in the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) and Passive Straight Leg Raise (PSLR) tests. Data were collected by inertial sensors (WIMU Pro) and an ISOMED bi-level inclinometer, which was used as the reference instrument. The inertial sensors reported a standard error of the measurement (SEM) below 0.6° in all measurements. The R2 correlation and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were very close to 1 in all measurements. Regarding the reliability analysis, there were no significant differences ( p &gt; 0.05) between test and retest measures, and the SEM were below 0.8° in both instruments. The ICC were close to 1 in all cases as well. The coefficients of variation (CV) were below 2.7% in the inertial device and 2.2% in the inclinometer. This study showed that using microtechnology through WIMU Pro may be a valid and reliable method for measuring hip range of motion during the ASLR and PSLR tests.

Possibility of a Novel Warm-Up Strategy Using Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer: A Pilot Study

[Purpose] Capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRET) is becoming prevalent in sports settings. CRET is effective for improving pain and healing injured tissue; however, its influence on muscle function and morphology is still unclear. This study confirmed the immediate effects of CRET on the duration of muscular stiffness and range of motion (ROM). [Method] This study describes the protocol for a single-arm trial with the non-blinding of participants and researchers. Twenty-four healthy men participated in the study. They received CRET therapy for their low back areas. The muscular stiffness of the multifidus muscle (superficial and deep) and the ROM using the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention (immediately), and 15 and 30 min post-intervention. We compared these parameters using a one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s test (multiple comparison tests for subtests). [Results] The muscular stiffness of the superficial and deep multifidus muscles was significantly decreased, and the ASLR test showed a significant increase compared with the test performed pre-intervention. In addition, these effects persisted for 30 min. [Conclusion] Warm-up is vital for improving muscular stiffness and increasing the ROM. CRET is a useful device for achieving these aims, particularly as a passive warm-up method in sports settings.

대학야구선수의 햄스트링의 유연성 평가를 위한 FMS ASLR 검사와 능동적 다리올리기 검사의 타당성

The purpose of this study was to validate the active straight leg raise(ASLR) and the functional movement screen(FMS) ASLR test in assessing the hamstring flexibility among college baseball players based on a reference test. The subjects were 27 healthy college baseball players with no history of back surgery within the past year. The passive straight leg raise(PSLR) test was used as a reference. The scores of the FMS ASLR test, performed using the FMS kit, ranged from 0-3, and a goniometer was used to measure the ASLR and PSLR angles. All data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences(SPSS) win 23.0. Pearson correlation with the level of significance set to α=.05 was used to analyze the correlation between the FMS ASLR score, ASLR angle, and PSLR angle. A significant correlation was found between the left and right FMS ASLR scores(r=.801, p<.01), left and right ASLR angles(r=.775, p<.01), and left and right PSLR angles(r=.882, p<.01). The left FMS ASLR score was significantly correlated with the right ASLR angle (r=.549, p<.01) while the right FMS ASLR score was significantly correlated with the right ASLR angle(r=.435, p<.05); however, the FMS ASLR score and the ASLR angle showed no significant correlation with the PSLR angle used as the reference. Thus, based on the lack of correlation with the PSLR test as a reference, the FMS ASLR test and the ASLR test are not valid for assessing the hamstring flexibility in these players.

The Effectiveness of Hamstring Stretching with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation versus Jack-Knife Stretching for Individuals with Hamstring Tightness

Background Jack-knife stretching is a newly developed static hamstring stretching exercise. However, no studies have compared this stretching exercise to hamstring stretching with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Purpose This study compared the effects of PNF hamstring stretching and jack-knife stretching on hamstring flexibility. Study design Randomized controlled clinical trial Methods Twenty-four adults with bilateral hamstring tightness were randomly assigned to the PNF hamstring stretching or jack-knife stretching group. All participants performed PNF hamstring stretching or jack-knife stretching for 150 s. Before and after hamstring stretching, the participants completed the active knee extension (AKE), active straight leg raise (ASLR), and finger-to-floor distance (FFD) tests. Lumbar flexion and the anterior pelvic tilt angle were measured during the FFD test. Results Both hamstring stretching exercises increased the knee extension angle during the AKE test, hip flexion angle during the ASLR test, and lumbar flexion and anterior pelvic tilt angle during the FFD test while decreasing the FFD value (<italic>p</italic>&lt;0.05). However, no significant between-group differences were found (<italic>p</italic>&gt;0.05). Conclusions PNF hamstring stretching and jack-knife stretching have similar beneficial effects on hamstring flexibility.

The impact of a sacroiliac joint belt on function and pain using the active straight leg raise in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is the most common musculoskeletal concern in pregnancy. The Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) test is diagnostic. Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) belts are included in multimodal therapy, but there is no established predictive measure to determine which pregnant women will benefit. To determine if the ASLR score is immediately reduced by SIJ belt application and whether PGP pain and function improves after 4 weeks of belt use. Prospective observational cohort study. Academic medical center. Pregnant women at least 18 years of age in the second or third trimester of pregnancy with posterior PGP and ASLR score of 2 to 10. Four-week SIJ belt use. ASLR, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ), Perceived Global Impression of Improvement (PGII). Sixty-three women enrolled. On multivariable analysis, immediate belted ASLR score was -2.70 points lower than the non-belted ASLR score (P < .001). Four weeks later there was significant improvement in the ASLR score with a belt (Mdiff = -0.99; P = .001) and without a belt (Mdiff = -1.94; P < .001); the decline was more precipitous for the non-belted response (Mdiff = -0.96; P = .02). Current NRS pain scores declined from baseline by approximately -0.94 points (P < .001). This decline did not depend on ASLR scores (interaction P = .43) or wearing a belt at the time of testing (interaction P = .51). Similar conclusions held for participants' usual NRS score and average PGQ score. After 4 weeks, 82% reported improvement based on the PGII. SIJ belts are a safe, well-tolerated, and effective therapeutic option for pregnancy-related PGP. The ASLR score is immediately reduced following SIJ belt application but does not predict pain score 4 weeks later. SIJ belt leads to significant improvements in pain and function over time.

ACCURACY OF THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN (FMSTM) ACTIVE STRAIGHT LEG RAISE TEST TO EVALUATE HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY IN SOCCER PLAYERS

Poor flexibility is considered a risk factor for the hamstring strain injury, and the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test proposed as a part of the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) has been used to assess athletes hamstring flexibility. However, the accuracy of this screening test remains undescribed. To examine the accuracy of the FMS™ ASLR test for assessment of hamstring flexibility in soccer players. Cross-sectional study. One-hundred and one male soccer players (age, 21 ± 3 years; height, 179 ± 7 cm; weight, 75 ± 9 kg) were bilaterally evaluated. All players performed a gold standard test for hamstring flexibility evaluation: the passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test measured using a gravitational inclinometer. All players also performed the ASLR test and were scored using the criteria proposed by the FMS™. Of the 202 lower limbs evaluated, 17.82% scored a 1 on the ASLR [mean passive flexibility: 80.44 ± 14.69 ° (55 °-110 °)], 50.99% scored a 2 on the ASLR [mean passive flexibility = 84.60 ± 10.59 ° (56 °-115 °)], and 31.18% scored a 3 on the ASLR [mean passive flexibility = 92.32 ± 11.53 ° (70 °-120 °)]. Limbs with FMS™ score of 3 presented significantly higher values for passive flexibility than limbs with scores of 1 and 2 (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between limbs with scores of 1 and 2 (p > 0.05). The score obtained in the FMS™ ASLR test does not satisfactorily stratify the level of hamstring flexibility in soccer players. 3a.

Diagnostic accuracy of lumbopelvic motor control tests using pressure biofeedback unit in professional swimmers: A cross-sectional study

HypothesisTo determine the effect of receiving the visual feedback of the sphygmomanometer on lumbopelvic motor control (LPMC) tests in professional swimmers. Method31 professional swimmers to participate in the study. The outcome was maximum absolute mmHg variation in the pressure biofeedback unit's manometer with and without visual feedback on four LPMC tests. ResultsTest scores were significantly affected by visual feedback F = 10.07, p = 0.002, η2p = 0.117 and the type of test F = 32.53, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.300. ConclusionVisual feedback has a positive effect on the Active Straight Leg Raise Test (ASLR), the Knee Lift Abdominal Test (KLAT) scores completed by professional swimmers.

The Effect of Corrective Exercises on the Range of Motion of the Hip Joints and the Result Obtained in the Deep Squat of FMS Test

Squat is a fundamental motor pattern in everyday activities, e.g. sitting or lifting objects from the ground. One of the reasons for the poor quality of the squat pattern lies in limited mobility. The study assessed the effects of one-off and 4-week squat correction based on the mobility system exercises. The study involved 40 people, divided into a test group (18 women, 2 men, ± 24.6 years) and a control group (10 women, 10 men ± 23.6 years). All participants have been subjected to three tests twice: a deep squat test - according to the FMS ™ concept, the Active Straight Leg Raise test and the test. After the test, four corrective exercises were recommended and the study continued. The subjects from the test group performed the recommended exercises for 4 weeks, 3 times a week. The protocol was repeated for both groups after 4 weeks, according to the same methodology. For the ASLR test and the test, a significant improvement was observed both after a single session and after a 4-week correction program. With the improvement of these ranges, the result in the deep squat test also improved. A statistically significant improvement in the result was obtained in 9 out of 40 people (22.5%) after a single measurement. As a result of a 4-week correction, the improvement of the squat occurred only after repeated correction. The use of corrective exercises in the hip joints may translate into an improvement in the squat pattern.

Fatigability of the Lumbopelvic Stabilizing Muscles in Women 8 and 26 Weeks Postpartum.

Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with lumbopelvic pain and instability. Fatigability of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles after childbirth is unknown, and no clinical tests exist to assess this important metric of muscle function. To compare fatigability of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles in postpartum and nulligravid (control) women using the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) Fatigue Task, and to determine if fatigability is associated with inter-recti distance (IRD), physical function, and pain/disability. Longitudinal case-control study. Twenty-nine nulligravid (25.4 ± 9.1 years) and 31 postpartum women (31.4 ± 5.2 years; vaginal delivery n=18) were tested at two time points, 16 weeks apart (postpartum women tested at 8-10 and 24-26 weeks postpartum). Muscular function was assessed with manual muscle testing (MMT), the ASLR Test, and a new ASLR Fatigue Task. Other measures included IRD, rectus abdominis thickness, physical activity, and six-minute walk distance. Postpartum women were 23% more fatigable (p=0.028) and were weaker (MMT) (p<0.001) than controls up to 26 weeks postpartum. The ASLR fatigue task (time-to-failure) was associated with smaller IRD, greater rectus abdominis thickness, higher physical activity levels, greater MMT strength, and further distance walked in six minutes (p<0.05). Postpartum women (up to 6 months) had greater fatigability of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles and lower physical function than nulligravid women, suggesting core muscle function and fatigability should be assessed after pregnancy and childbirth. The ASLR Fatigue Task could be a clinically useful tool to determine fatigability of the lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles in women postpartum.

Can a bothersome course of pelvic pain from mid-pregnancy to birth be predicted? A Norwegian prospective longitudinal SMS-Track study

ObjectiveTo explore if pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain (PGP), subgrouped following the results from two clinical tests with high validity and reliability, differ in demographic characteristics and weekly amount...

Movement of the sacroiliac joint during the Active Straight Leg Raise test in patients with long-lasting severe sacroiliac joint pain

BackgroundThe Active Straight Leg Raise is a functional test used in the assessment of pelvic girdle pain, and has shown to have good validity, reliability and responsiveness. The Active Straight Leg Raise is considered to examine the patients' ability to transfer load through the pelvis. It has been hypothesized that patients with pelvic girdle pain lack the ability to stabilize the pelvic girdle, probably due to instability or increased movement of the sacroiliac joint. This study examines the movement of the sacroiliac joints during the Active Straight Leg Raise in patients with pelvic girdle pain. MethodsTantalum markers were inserted in the dorsal sacrum and ilium of 12 patients with long-lasting pelvic girdle pain scheduled for sacroiliac joint fusion surgery. Two to three weeks later movement of the sacroiliac joints during the Active Straight Leg Raise was measured with radiostereometric analysis. FindingsSmall movements were detected. There was larger movement of the sacroiliac joint of the rested leg's sacroiliac joint compared to the lifted leg's side. A mean backward rotation of 0.8° and inward tilt of 0.3° were seen in the rested leg's sacroiliac joint. InterpretationThe movements of the sacroiliac joints during the Active Straight Leg Raise are small. There was a small backward rotation of the innominate bone relative to sacrum on the rested leg's side. Our findings contradict an earlier understanding that a forward rotation of the lifted leg's innominate occur while performing the Active Straight Leg Raise.

Ultrasound Assessment of the Abdominal Muscles at Rest and During the ASLR Test Among Adolescents With Scoliosis.

Observational study. Are there deviations in the thickness of abdominal muscles at rest in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)? Are there deviations in abdominal muscular activity in people with AIS during the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test? Ultrasound imaging can be used to assess the lateral abdominal muscle. Some authors suggest that scoliosis develops through a weakness or improper functioning of the abdominal muscles that cannot provide adequate support to the spinal segments. However, the literature lacks studies on the functioning of the abdominal muscles in individuals with spinal deviations. This study focuses on the evaluation of the thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transversus abdominalis (TrA) muscles of individuals with AIS. Seventy-one healthy adolescents and 71 patients with AIS, all aged 10-16 years, were studied. The thickness of the muscles at rest was measured at the end of normal exhalation in millimeters. Muscular activity during the ASLR test was measured in the final position, and the standards were normalized with the thickness produced at rest. Muscular activity during the ASLR test was represented as a percentage change in the muscle thickness. The AIS group demonstrated a smaller resting thickness of all tested muscles of both sides (P<0.01). All the muscles on the right side of the body showed higher activity in the AIS group during the ASLR test (P<0.01). Patients with AIS had thinner EO, IO, and TrA at rest in the supine position. During the ASLR test, the AIS patients displayed higher activity of the EO, IO, and TrA muscles on the right side.

Robotic Rehabilitation Treatment Influences Power and Active Straight Leg Raise Performance in Division II Female Athletes

1.1 Background: Therapeutic robotic arm technology is a rehabilitation device for physical therapy that lengthens muscles using repeated precise and directed pressure. This therapy has improved range of motion, reduced pain, and improved activities for daily living in the general population. However, the impact of this therapy in improving sports performance in the competitive athlete population remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of a therapeutic robotic arm treatment on the vertical jump and the Active Straight Leg Raise test [ASLR] in Division II female athletes. 1.2 Methods: Twenty-one (n=21) competitive Division II athletes completed a vertical jump and active straight leg raise assessment before and after a 60 minute therapeutic robotic arm treatment on the bilateral hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexor muscle groups. 1.3 Results: Mean vertical jump pre-testing height achieved for all athletes was 39.47 cm (SD=4.55) and declined to 35.52 cm (SD=4.34) post treatment (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.03-1.73). Basketball athletes vertical jump declined from 38.43 cm (SD=3.23) to 34.19 cm (SD=3.07) and volleyball athletes vertical jump declined from 40.64 cm (SD=5.61) to 37.82 cm (SD=4.88). ASLR scores improved in 66.6% of athletes presenting either a 2 or 1 composite score on the pre-test. 1.4 Conclusion: An acute robotic arm treatment attenuated vertical jump performance while improving ASLR in athletes presenting a reduced composite score. Maintaining performance throughout an entire season requires an integrated training and rehabilitation approach. Future research should examine the influence of multiple robotic treatments on various performance measures.

Effects of Acute Fatigue of the Hip Flexor Muscles on Hamstring Muscle Extensibility.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of acute fatigue of the hip flexor muscles on scores attained in tests frequently used in literature to measure hamstring muscle extensibility, namely the passive straight leg raise (PSLR), active straight leg raise (ASLR), passive knee extension (PKE), active knee extension (AKE), sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests. A total of seventy-five healthy and recreationally active adults voluntarily participated in this study. To reach fatigue, the participants actively lifted their legs alternately as many times as possible. In the passive tests, the results were 7.10 ± 5.21° and 5.68 ± 4.54° higher (p < 0.01) for PSLR and PKE tests, respectively, after acute fatigue. However, in the ASLR test, the results were lower post-fatigue than pre-fatigue (mean difference = -5.30° ± 9.51°; p < 0.01). The AKE, SR and TT tests did not show significant differences between pre- and post-fatigue (p > 0.05). Moderate (r = 0.40) to high (r = 0.97) correlation coefficients were found, which were statistically significant among all the measured flexibility tests both pre- and post-fatigue. In conclusion, the active implication of the hip flexor muscles until reaching fatigue had acute influences on the results of the PSLR, PKE and ASLR tests, but not on the results of the AKE, SR and TT tests. It is recommended to use the AKE test to assess hamstring muscle extensibility in situations where athletes show fatigue in their hip flexor muscles.

Response of the muscles in the pelvic floor and the lower lateral abdominal wall during the Active Straight Leg Raise in women with and without pelvic girdle pain: An experimental study

BackgroundThe relationship between activation of the stabilizing muscles of the lumbopelvic region during the Active Straight Leg Raise test and pelvic girdle pain remains unknown. Therefore, the aim was to examine automatic contractions in relation to pre-activation in the muscles of the pelvic floor and the lower lateral abdominal wall during leg lifts, performed as the Active Straight Leg Raise test, in women with and without persistent postpartum pelvic girdle pain. MethodsSixteen women with pelvic girdle pain and eleven pain-free women performed contralateral and ipsilateral leg lifts, while surface electromyographic activity was recorded from the pelvic floor and unilaterally from the lower lateral abdominal wall. As participants performed leg lifts onset time was calculated as the time from increased muscle activity to leg lift initiation. FindingsNo significant differences were observed between the groups during the contralateral leg lift. During the subsequent ipsilateral leg lift, pre-activation in the pelvic floor muscles was observed in 36% of women with pelvic girdle pain and in 91% of pain-free women (P=0.01). Compared to pain-free women, women with pelvic girdle pain also showed significantly later onset time in both the pelvic floor muscles (P=0.01) and the muscles of the lower lateral abdominal wall (P<0.01). InterpretationWe suggest that disturbed motor activation patterns influence women's ability to stabilize the pelvis during leg lifts. This could be linked to provocation of pain during repeated movements.