Hamstring Muscle Length Research Articles

Comparing Hamstring Muscle Length Measurements of the Traditional Active Knee Extension Test and a Functional Hamstring Flexibility Test

Background: The hamstring muscles are regularly injured during high risk sports involving sprinting and kicking activities. Currently there is inconclusive evidence regarding hamstring muscle length measurements as a predictor for hamstring injury using the active knee extension test. A more functional hamstring flexibility test may be a better measure of hamstring muscle length compared to the active knee extension test as it more closely represents the position of the hamstrings during high risk activities. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare hamstring muscle length measurements determined using the traditional the active knee extension test and newly proposed functional hamstring flexibility test. Study Design: Comparative single group cohort study. Methods: Thirty seven healthy males aged 18-40 years currently involved in rugby union, Australian football, soccer or sprinting were included in the study. Hamstring muscle length was measured using the active knee extension test and the functional hamstring flexibility test on both right and left legs. Results: The functional hamstring flexibility test measured a significantly smaller knee extension angle (p<0.001) compared to the active knee extension test. Conclusion: A functional position such as that in the functional hamstring flexibility test results in a significantly smaller measure of knee extension than a non-functional assessment position, such as the active knee extension test.

Effect of traditional sitting on flexibility of hamstring and calf muscle among Arab people

Purpose of the Study: The hamstring muscles are important contributors to the control of human movement and are involved in a wide range of activities from running and jumping to forward bending during sitting or standing and a range of postural control actions. [1] The sit-and-reach test (SRT) is a field test used to measure low back and hamstring muscle flexibility. Therefore, study contends that the flexibility of hamstring will get affected with Arab traditional sitting. Most of the Arab people have some shortening of hamstring muscles due to their style of sitting because of the knee flexion in Arab traditional sitting even the calf muscle also gets shortening and loss of flexibility. The purpose of this study is to assess hamstring muscle flexibility using the SRT test in Arab people who preferred traditional Arab sitting. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 male Arab people who living in Saudi Arabia (age range 20-40 years) volunteered to participate, and without any significant history of pathology of the hip, knee, or thigh were enlist for this study. A standard sit-and-reach box was used to position the subjects for the test, and the sliding ruler that is centered on the top of the box was used to take the SRT scores. Results: From the results, it has been noticed that age has P = 0.000968 which is highly significant due to which it plays significant effect. Age plays significant role in affecting the result whereas height does not play significant role in affecting the result of hamstring flexibility. Conclusion: Differences in hamstring muscle length varies according to age, weight, or style of sitting. The active person has better flexibility than who preferred traditional Arab sitting.

Hamstring muscle length and pelvic tilt range among individuals with and without low back pain

Hamstring tightness has been documented not to be related to the pelvic tilt position during static standing posture, but there is limited data on the relationship between hamstring muscle length (HML) and pelvic tilt range (PTR) during the dynamic movement of forward bending. This ex-post facto study was designed to compare each of HML and PTR in individuals with low back pain (LBP) and counterparts without LBP, and the relationship between HML and PTR in individuals with and without LBP. The study involved 30 purposively recruited individuals with LBP and 30 height and weight-matched individuals without LBP. Participants' PTR and HML were assessed using digital inclinometer and active knee extension test respectively. Data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson Correlation (r) at α=0.05. Participants without LBP had significantly longer (p=0.01) HML than those with LBP but the PTR of both groups were not significantly different. HML and PTR had indirect but not significant correlations in participants with and without LBP. Hamstring muscle length is significantly reduced in individuals with LBP but it has no significant correlation with pelvic tilt range. Pelvic tilt range reduces as hamstring muscle length increases.

A Study to Compare the Length of Hamstring Muscle between Children and Adults

Muscular flexibility is an important aspect of normal human function. The term flexibility and muscle length are often synonymously used when referring to the ability of any muscle to be lengthened up to the end range. The purpose of the present cross-sectional descriptive study was to compare the Hamstring muscle length between children and adults in various age groups and gender, measured by three clinical tests i.e., straight leg raise test, popliteal angle, and Active knee extension test. Total 180 subjects participated in the study with 77 males and 103 females. All participants were equally distributed in to one of the six age groups formed with interval of 05 years. The data was analysed using Microsoft excel methods. All three tests i.e., passive straight leg raise test, popliteal angle, and Active knee extension test (right and left) for both genders were not statistically significant indicating that length of hamstring muscle was not different between both genders. First two tests between age groups (11–40 years) were not statistically significant except last was statistically significant (p 0.011and p 0.052 respectively) different between age groups.

The Assisted Nordic Hamstring Curl

Assisted nordic hamstring curls provide a mechanism for assisting the lower phases of a nordic hamstring curl, allowing training at increased hamstring muscle length positions and the performance of more repetitions. This exercise may be useful to target the specific muscle lengths or fatigue conditions at which injuries occur.

The relationship between Lumbar range of motion with hamstring flexibility among 6-12 years children from South India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Assessment and management of abnormal lumbar spine mobility are essential in the clinical setting. There are limited studies carried out to obtain lumbar range of motion values in children of the Indian population and to explore the anthropometric measurements on it. Purpose: The purpose was to find any association of anthropometric measurements, hamstring muscle length with lumbar range of motion in school age children from South India. Methodology: Active flexion, extension, and right‑ and left‑side bending, and rotation of the lumbar spine were measured using modified Schober’s test for 294 normally developing school going children 6–12 years (147 girls, 147 boys) from Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Means were determined for each motion by age and sex. Further, the correlation between spinal mobility and individual factors such as body mass index and hamstring flexibility was explored. Results: Females were identified as have a significantly higher forward flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation range of motion than males. Age, anthropometric parameters, and hamstring length were significant correlates of lumbar spinal mobility. Conclusion: This study provides the reference values for lumbar spinal flexibility in healthful school going children (6–12 years) from India. Females were found to have a considerably higher forward flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation range of motion than males. Age, anthropometric parameters, and hamstring length were significant correlates of lumbar spinal flexibility.

Hamstring muscle length and lumbar lordosis in subjects with different lifestyle and work setting: Comparison between individuals with and without chronic low back pain

Shortened hamstring muscle length has been noted in persons with low back pain (LBP). Prolonged sitting postures, such as those adopted during different work settings and sedentary lifestyle has been associated with hamstring shortness and LBP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lifestyle and work setting on hamstring length and lumbar lordosis in subjects with and without LBP and to identify the relationship between hamstring muscles length and lumbar lordosis in individuals with different lifestyle and work setting. A total of 508 subjects between the ages of 20 and 65 were selected. Subjects were categorized into two groups of individuals with and without LBP. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about the subjects' lifestyle and work setting. Hamstring muscle length and lumbar lordosis were measured in all subjects. The results showed no significant difference in the number of subjects with different work setting or lifestyle in individuals with and without LBP. Hamstring muscle length or lumbar lordosis was not affected by type of work setting and lifestyle. Our data showed significant difference in hamstring length and no significant difference in lumbar lordosis between subjects with and without LBP in all categories. Lumbar lordosis was not different between individuals with and without hamstring tightness in normal and LBP subjects with different work setting and lifestyle. The findings of this study did not support the assumption that work setting and sedentary lifestyle would lead to hamstring tightness in subjects with LBP. It seems that work setting and lifestyle was not a contributing factor for hamstring tightness in subjects with LBP.

Effects of Inclined Treadmill Walking on Pelvic Anterior Tilt Angle, Hamstring Muscle Length, and Trunk Muscle Endurance of Seated Workers with Flat-back Syndrome.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of inclined treadmill walking on pelvic anterior tilt angle, hamstring muscle length, and back muscle endurance of seated workers with flat-back syndrome. [Subjects] Eight seated workers with flat-back syndrome who complained of low-back pain in the L3–5 region participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects performed a walking exercise on a 30° inclined treadmill. We measured the pelvic anterior tilt angle, hamstring muscle length, and back muscle endurance before and after inclined treadmill walking. [Results] Anterior pelvic tilt angle and active knee extension angle significantly increased after inclined treadmill walking. Trunk extensor and flexor muscle endurance times were also significantly increased compared to the baseline. [Conclusion] Inclined treadmill walking may be an effective approach for the prevention or treatment of low-back pain in flat-back syndrome.

Correlation of hamstrings flexibility with age and gender in subjects having chronic low back pain

Aim of the study: Rehabilitation professionals routinely assess Hamstring muscle length (HML) in persons with hamstring muscle injury, spinal cord injury, LBP or anterior knee pain without taking into account age and gender, which may influence the development of hamstrings tightness. So this study is intended to find out the correlation of hamstring flexibility for men and women of different age groups in chronic LBP subjects. This information can be helpful for every physical therapist for examination and treatment of LBP. Methodology: A co-relational study was conducted with convenience sample of 80 participants with age group 20-70 years having chronic LBP. Persons with previous history of knee injury, knee deformity and fractures around knee joint and radiating pain were excluded. Hamstrings tightness was measured by active knee extension test (AKET). Results: Correlation analysis of age and hamstrings flexibility revealed a correlation coefficient r=-0.380, p<0.001; indicating there is statistically significant weak negative correlation between the two variables. Correlation analysis between age and hamstrings tightness for men revealed a correlation coefficient of r=-0.526, p<0.001 indicating a statistically significant moderate negative correlation between the two variables and for females revealed r=-0.219, p=0.174 indicating weak negative correlation between the two variables which was statistically not significant. Conclusion: There was statistically significant moderate to weak negative correlation found between

Which is the better method to improve “perceived hamstrings tightness” – Exercises targeting neural tissue mobility or exercises targeting hamstrings muscle extensibility?

Recent studies suggest that subjects who perceive their hamstrings to be tight are unlikely to have altered hamstring muscle extensibility or length. Altered neural tissue mobility also referred to as altered neurodynamics could be a significant contributor to “perceived hamstrings tightness”. Conventionally, hamstrings stretching exercises are employed to treat perceived hamstrings tightness. There is a paucity of literature assessing the effectiveness of exercises targeting neural tissue mobility or neurodynamics as opposed to conventional hamstrings stretching exercises. With this aim, a prospective trial of 56 female physiotherapy students with perceived hamstrings tightness was conducted. Study design used was two group pre test–post test design with systematic random sampling. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups; Group A received Mulligan's Bent Leg Raise (BLR) technique followed by Two Leg Rotation technique (TLRT) to improve neural tissue mobility and Group B received passive hamstrings stretching to improve hamstrings muscle extensibility. Outcome measures included knee flexion angle during Active Knee Extension test and the Slump test. Intra group analysis showed statistically significant improvement in knee flexion angle for both tests in both the groups. Inter group comparison showed that there was greater improvement in the group receiving neural tissue mobility exercises with statistically significant improvement in Slump test with cervical extension (mean difference was 7.214°, 95% confidence interval −12.67 to −1.75). Thus it was concluded that exercises which target neural tissue mobility are more effective than exercises targeting hamstrings muscle extensibility in treating "perceived hamstrings tightness".

The Effect of Pelvic Position on Popliteal Angle Achieved During 90:90 Hamstring-Length Test

Hamstring muscle length is commonly measured because of its perceived relationship to injury of both the hamstrings themselves and the pelvis and lumbar spine. The popliteal (knee-extension) angle measured from the starting position hip and knee at 90° is a commonly used indirect measure of hamstring muscle length. When this measure has been undertaken in the literature previously, little attention was paid to the position of the pelvis, which may significantly influence measurements taken. Repeated-measures. University human performance laboratory. 60 healthy physically active males (mean age 20.1 ± 1.8 y, range 18-24 y). The 2 extremes of pelvic position (anterior and posterior). Popliteal angle (with maximal knee extension) was measured in 2 positions, 1 of full anterior and 1 of full posterior pelvic tilt. The mean difference in popliteal angle between anterior to posterior pelvic positions was 13.4° ± 9° (range 0-26°); this was statistically significant (P = .0001). The findings of the study indicate that pelvic position has a significant effect on popliteal angle and therefore should be taken into account when measuring hamstring muscle length.

Non-specific low back pain in male professional football players in the Turkish super league

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible causes of non-specific low back pain (LBP) in male professional football players in the Turkish Super League. Methods A total of 121 players were questioned for demographic variables and whether they have had LBP in the last year. Player position, training characteristics, number of years as a football player, injury background and last season statistics were investigated. Flexibility of low back and hamstring muscles, and hamstring muscle length were measured. Results Thirty-eight football players reported non-specific LBP in last year with a prevalence of 31.4%. It was found that more matches played in a starting position and hamstring muscle shortness were significant factors for developing non-specific LBP ( P Conclusion The prevalence of non-specific LBP in Turkish male professional football players is 31.4%, similar to the literature findings. Hamstring muscle shortness and high numbers of matches played as a starter are important factors for non-specific LBP. These findings should be considered for injury prevention. Causes of LBP in football players require further investigation. Studies should be performed on a larger sample of participants to attain more certain results.

WS10.1 Evaluation of musculoskeletal and postural function in cystic fibrosis using a physiotherapy screening tool

Background: Postural changes have been reported in patients with CF as they age. Aims: To measure musculoskeletal and postural function in adults with CF; to identify problems related to disease progression and to further develop a clinically appropriate musculoskeletal assessment screening tool. Method: A physiotherapy screening tool was developed to assess musculoskeletal function in the inpatient and outpatient settings when patients were at baseline function. Spinal curves, head, shoulder and scapulae positions, thoracic extension & shoulder flexion, thoracic lateral flexion and rotation, hamstring, calf and quads muscle length were assessed. Results: 94 patients were screened aged 18 to 50 years with 11% with normal lung function; 31% with mild; 32% with moderate and 26% with severe lung disease. The following postural changes were found in this sample: cervical changes 33%; thoracic kyphosis 42%; increased lumbar lordosis 35%; anterior shoulder protraction 51%; elevated shoulders 34%; abducted or winged scapulae 49%; decreased thoracic lateral flexion 31%; restricted thoracic rotation 31%; tight hamstrings 52%; tight calf muscles 26%. Quadriceps length was normal in all subjects. Thoracic kyphosis, scapulae abduction/winging and anterior shoulder protraction appeared to be related to disease severity. Conclusions: The results of this sample of postural screening highlights the importance of regular review of musculoskeletal function in adults with CF in order to prevent problems developing and to manage problems as they are diagnosed. The screening tool has been further developed. Musculoskeletal screening should be considered as part of the annual review in CF.

Comparison of the Hamstring Muscle Length and Sciatic Nerve Tension among Computer Workers with Different Subtypes of Lower Back Pain

Comparison of the Hamstring Muscle Length and Sciatic Nerve Tension among Computer Workers with Different Subtypes of Lower Back Pain

Criterion-related validity of four clinical tests used to measure hamstring flexibility in professional futsal players

Objective To examine the criterion related validity of the sit-and-reach test (SR), toe touch test (TT), modified sit-and-reach test (MSR) and back-saver sit-and-reach test (BSSR) for estimating hamstring flexibility measured through the passive straight leg raise test (PSLR) in professional futsal players. Design Correlation laboratory study. Setting Controlled laboratory environment. Participants One hundred and three futsal players (55 males age 26 ± 4 years, 48 females age 23 ± 5 years). Main outcome measures Two trials of SR, TT, MSR, BSSR (left and right) and PSLR right and left (hamstring criterion measure) in a randomized order. Results Regression analysis was performed to examine the association of SR, TT, MSR and BSSR with PSLR in both males and females separately. In males, only MSR test had moderate association criterion with PSLR ( R 2 = 0.57). In females, SR ( R 2 = 0.86), TT ( R 2 = 0.85), MSR ( R 2 = 0.53) and average BSSR ( R 2 = 0.82) were associated with PSLR. Conclusions SR, TT, MSR and BSSR had moderate criterion related validity for estimating hamstring flexibility in female but not male professional futsal players. The authors recommend that researchers, clinicians, and physical therapists adopt one angular test as a measure of hamstring muscle length in futsal players.

The relationship between hamstring length and gluteal muscle strength in individuals with sacroiliac joint dysfunction

It has been suggested that tight hamstring muscle, due to its anatomical connections, could be a compensatory mechanism for providing sacroiliac (SI) joint stability in patients with gluteal muscle weakness and SIJ dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hamstring muscle length and gluteal muscle strength in subjects with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A total of 159 subjects with and without low back pain (LBP) between the ages of 20 and 65 years participate in the study. Subjects were categorized into three groups: LBP without SIJ involvement (n = 53); back pain with SIJ dysfunction (n = 53); and no low back pain (n = 53). Hamstring muscle length and gluteal muscle strength were measured in all subjects. The number of individuals with gluteal weakness was significantly (P = 0·02) higher in subjects with SI joint dysfunction (66%) compared to those with LBP without SI joint dysfunctions (34%). In pooled data, there was no significant difference (P = 0·31) in hamstring muscle length between subjects with SI joint dysfunction and those with back pain without SI involvement. In subjects with SI joint dysfunction, however, those with gluteal muscle weakness had significantly (P = 0·02) shorter hamstring muscle length (mean = 158±11°) compared to individuals without gluteal weakness (mean = 165±10°). There was no statistically significant difference (P>0·05) in hamstring muscle length between individuals with and without gluteal muscle weakness in other groups. In conclusion, hamstring tightness in subjects with SI joint dysfunction could be related to gluteal muscle weakness. The slight difference in hamstring muscle length found in this study, although statistically significant, was not sufficient for making any definite conclusions. Further studies are needed to establish the role of hamstring muscle in SI joint stability.

Comparison of Ballistic and Static Stretching on Hamstring Muscle Length Using an Equal Stretching Dose

The purpose of this investigation was to determine which stretching technique, static or ballistic, is most effective for increasing hamstring muscle length when delivered at the same stretching dose over a 4-week training program. A single-blind, randomized controlled trial design was used in this investigation. Thirty-two participants (16 women and 16 men) between the ages of 18 and 27 years participated in the study. All participants who had a pre-training knee extension angle of less than 20° were excluded from the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: ballistic stretching, static stretching, or control group. Participants in the experimental stretching groups (ballistic and static stretching) performed one 30-second stretch 3 times per week for a period of 4 weeks. Statistical analysis consisted of a 2-way analysis of variance (group × sex) with an a priori alpha level of 0.05. No interaction between group and sex was identified (p = 0.4217). The main effect of sex was not statistically significant (p = 0.2099). The main effect for group was statistically significant at p < 0.0001. Post hoc analysis revealed that both static and ballistic stretching group produced greater increases in hamstring length than the control group. The static stretching group demonstrated a statistically greater increase in hamstring muscle length than the ballistic stretching group. No injuries or complications were attributed to either stretching program.

The efficacy of two modified proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching techniques in subjects with reduced hamstring muscle length

Difference scores in knee extension angle and electromyographic (EMG) activity were quantified before and after modified proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) hold-relax (HR) and hold-relax-antagonist contraction (HR-AC) stretching procedures in 35 healthy individuals with reduced hamstring muscle length bilaterally (knee extension angle <160°). Participants were randomly assigned each PNF procedure to opposite lower extremities. Knee extension values were measured by using a goniometer. EMG data were collected for 10 seconds before and immediately after each PNF stretching technique and normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC). A significant time by stretch-type interaction was detected (F1,34 = 21.1; p < 0.001). Angles of knee extension for HR and HR-AC were not different prior to stretching (p = 0.45). Poststretch knee extension angle was greater in the HR-AC condition than the HR condition (p < 0.007). The proportion of subjects who exceeded the minimal detectable change (MDC95) with the HR-AC stretch (97%) did not differ (p = 0.07) from the proportion who exceeded the MDC95 with the HR stretch (80%). Because EMG activation increased (p < 0.013) after the HR-AC procedure, it is doubtful a relationship exists between range of motion improvement after stretching and inhibition of the hamstrings. On average the 10-second modified HR procedure produced an 11° gain in knee extension angle within a single stretch session.

Soccer Fatigue, Sprinting and Hamstring Injury Risk

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a multi-directional soccer-specific fatigue protocol on sprinting kinematics in relation to hamstring injury risk. Nine semi-professional soccer players (Mean +/- SD: Age: 21.3 +/- 2.9 year; Height 185.0 +/- 8.7 cm; Body Mass 81.6 +/- 6.7 kg) completed the SAFT(90); a multi-directional, intermittent 90 min exercise protocol representative of soccer match-play. The 10m sprint times and three-dimensional kinematic data were recorded using a high-speed motion capture system (Qualisys Track Manager) every 15 min during the SAFT(90). A significant time dependent increase was observed in sprint time during the SAFT(90) (P<0.01) with a corresponding significant decrease in stride length (P<0.01). Analysis of the kinematic sprint data revealed significantly reduced combined maximal hip flexion and knee extension angle, indicating reduced hamstring length, between pre-exercise and half-time (P<0.01) and pre-exercise and full-time (P<0.05). These findings revealed that the SAFT(90) produced time dependent impairments in sprinting performance and kinematics of technique which may result from shorter hamstring muscle length. Alterations in sprinting technique may have implications for the increased predisposition to hamstring strain injury during the latter stages of soccer match-play.

Concurrent Validity of Four Clinical Tests Used to Measure Hamstring Flexibility

The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity of 4 clinical tests used to measure hamstring muscle length. A pilot study (N = 10) was conducted to determine the intratester reliability of 4 hamstring length measures: knee extension angle (KEA), sacral angle (SA), straight leg raise (SLR), and sit and reach (SR). The pilot investigation revealed good to excellent intratester reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92-0.95) for each of the 4 tests. Eighty-one subjects (42 men and 39 women) participated in the main investigation. Subjects were randomly tested for each of 4 assessments of hamstring length. Concurrent validity was determined using linear regression, correlation, and kappa statistics. Correlation coefficients corresponding to the concurrent validity of the six combinations of the 4 clinical tests revealed poor to fair correlation (r = 0.45-0.65). The correlation coefficients for each pair from greatest to least were SR-SA= 0.65, SLR-SR = 0.65, KEA-SLR = 0.63, KEA-SR = 0.57, SLR-SA = 0.50, and KEA-SA = 0.45. Despite the common clinical use of these measures to assess hamstring length, these tests do not have sufficient concurrent validity to be used interchangeably or to assume that they each measure the same construct (hamstring length). Based on the results of this investigation and a review of the literature, the authors recommend that researchers, clinicians, and strength and conditioning specialists adopt the KEA test as the gold standard measure for hamstring muscle length.