Hamstring Shortness Research Articles

Comparison Between the Effects of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive Therapy and Therapeutic Ultrasound on Hamstring Muscle Shortness in Male Athletes: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy (TT) is a newly developed deep heating therapy that can generate heat within tissues through high-frequency wave stimulation. Compared to conventional physiotherapy methods, the application of TT especially in sports rehabilitation is becoming more popular. This study aimed to investigate the comparative effect of TT and therapeutic ultrasound (US) on hamstring muscle shortness. Additionally, the effects of TT with static stretching (SS) were compared with US combined with SS. Totally, 39 male athletes with hamstring shortness were randomly assigned into three groups: A, B, and C. Group A received 15 minutes of TT plus SS, while Group B received 15 minutes of US with SS, and Group C only performed SS. Hamstring flexibility was measured by active knee extension (AKE), passive knee extension (PKE), and the sit and Reach (SR) tests before the intervention, and following the first, and third treatment sessions. The range of motion of the AKE and PKE, and displacement range in the SR test improved significantly after the first and third sessions in all three groups (P0.0001). The improvement of the three flexibility indices in the TT group was greater than in the other two groups. The present study showed that TT could increase the flexibility of hamstring muscles more than US therapy. However, TT in combination with SS had a similar effect to SS alone.

"Comparison of Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Versus PNF in Individuals with Hamstring Shortness"

"Comparison of Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Versus PNF in Individuals with Hamstring Shortness"

Association Between Hamstring Shortness and Asymmetry, Pain Intensity, Disability Index, and Compensatory Lumbar Movement in 60 Patients with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND The correlation between hamstring muscle shortening and nonspecific low back pain and compensatory lumbar movements is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between hamstring shortness and asymmetry, pain intensity, the disability index, and compensatory lumbar movement in 60 patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty patients with nonspecific low back pain participated in this study. The hamstring shortness and asymmetry, pain intensity, the disability index, and compensatory lumbar movement of the patients were assessed. The pain intensity was evaluated using a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), active knee extension testing was performed to measure the length of the hamstring, and compensatory lumbar movement was assessed using a digital dual inclinometer. Correlation analysis was used for analysis of the obtained data. RESULTS The hamstring length showed a negative correlation with hamstring length asymmetry, NPRS, and disability index (P<0.05). The asymmetry of the hamstring length was positively correlated with NPRS, disability index, and compensatory lumbar rotation (P<0.05). Lumbar flexion was positively correlated with the hamstring muscle length (P<0.05). However, there was a negative correlation between the hamstring length asymmetry, NPRS, and disability index (P<0.05). There was no correlation between the compensatory lumbar rotation, hamstring length, or disability index. CONCLUSIONS Compensatory flexion movements, NPRS, and disability index in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain were associated with hamstring shortness and asymmetry. These factors should be considered when planning physical therapy for patients with nonspecific low back pain.

The Effects of a Self-Myofascial Release Program on Isokinetic Hamstrings-to-Quadriceps Strength Ratio and Range of Motion of the Knee Joint Among Athletes With Hamstring Shortness.

Range of motion (ROM) and muscular strength are the main factors that affect athletic performance. Self-myofascial release is a flexibility technique, which is used to inhibit overactive muscle fibers. To investigate the effects of the 8-week self-myofascial release on the isokinetic hamstrings-to-quadriceps strength ratio (H/QRatio) and the ROM of the knee joint among male athletes with the hamstring shortness. A randomized controlled trial. Research laboratory. Twenty-four college-aged male athletes with hamstring shortness were selected for this study and were randomly assigned to a foam rolling group (FOAM, n = 12) and a control group (n = 12). Participants in the FOAM group performed supervised self-myofascial release program 3 times per week for 8weeks. The control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed via 2-way repeated-measure analysis of variance at the significance level of .05. ROM and the H/QRatio at the velocities of 60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s were measured by an isokinetic dynamometer. The results of 2-way repeated-measure analysis of variance demonstrated that hamstring ROM increased in FOAM group (P = .001). No significant changes were found in H/QRatio after self-myofascial release for FOAM group (P ≥ .05). When compared with other methods of stretching, self-myofascial release with foam rolling may be beneficial in increasing ROM without decreasing H/QRatio in people with the hamstring shortness.

Acute effect of inhibitory kinesio tape on range of motion, dynamic balance, and gait in athletes with hamstring shortness

ObjectiveThe goal of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of kinesio tape on range of motion (ROM), perceived stiffness, and kinetic parameters in athletes with hamstring shortness. MethodsFifteen athletes with bilateral hamstring shortness were divided randomly into intervention (inhibitory application of kinesio tape plus static stretching) and control (static stretching) groups. Outcome measures were straight leg raise (SLR), active knee extension (AKE) tests for ROM, visual analogue scale (VAS) for perceived stiffness and kinetic parameters which are recorded and calculated by Moticon SCIENCE insoles during four functional performance task of single leg stance (SLS), slow and fast walking and running. ResultsROM, stiffness, and kinetic parameters examined with insoles during SLS and walking tasks changed in both the intervention and control groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, study groups were different in some variables. The increase in ROM in SLR test and the decrease in perceived stiffness in the intervention group were more evident than in the control group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.001, respectively). There was no difference between the intervention and control groups for the variables in SLS test, slow and fast walking, and running tasks, except for the mean swing duration (MSWD) (P = 0.002) in fast walking. ConclusionThe static stretching alone and the kinesio tape plus static stretching could change many of the kinetic parameters during walking and balance tasks, but the rate of these changes were more significant with kinesio tape plus stretching compared to the stretching alone.

Comparing Effects of Six-week Active and Passive Static Stretching on Lumbar-Pelvic Rhythm In Males With Hamstring Shortness

Background and Aims: Forward bending is a coupled movement combining lumbar flexion and pelvic rotation, the so-called lumbar–pelvic rhythm. Clinical observations have suggested that hamstring tightness influences the lumbar pelvic rhythm and may be associated with modifications in the sagittal spine curvatures during trunk flexion. Moreover, there is still no agreement on the best stretching techniques. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of six weeks of active and inactive static training on lumbar-pelvic rhythm in forward flexion in men with hamstring shortness. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study with pretest/posttest with two groups. In this study, 26 men with hamstring shortness, with a Mean±SD age of 25.76±1.71 years were selected (via purposeful sampling). Hamstring muscle shortness was measured utilizing the SLR and 90-90SLR tests. Measurements of the lumbar pelvic rhythm were recorded in the three-phase forward bending by a spinal mouse. Variables included pelvic rotation and lumbar flexion. Active and passive static stretching were respectively jack-knife and kneeling hamstring stretching techniques. To compare pretest and posttest values of active and passive static stretching groups, the paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were utilized. Furthermore, to assess the difference between active and passive static stretching groups, the ANCOVA and Mann-Whitney U test were utilized. Results: After six weeks of active and passive static stretching, the total pelvic rotation significantly increased in contrast to total lumbar flexion (P&lt;0/05). A comparison of pelvic and lumbar ROM output did not reveal a significant difference between active and passive static groups (P&gt;0/05). Conclusion: Compliant with the findings, active and passive static stretching could change the lumbopelvic rhythm to a pelvic-dominant motion, indicating that a flexible hamstring is important for preventing low back pain and other problems associated with the disturbance of the lumbo-lumbar rhythm.

Effects of two different stretching techniques on proprioception and hamstring flexibility: a pilot study.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the immediate and long-term effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)contract-relax-antagonist-contract(CRAC) exercises versus static stretchingon proprioception and flexibility in males with hamstring shortness. Patients& methods: Knee extension angle test was used to measure flexibility and isokinetic dynamometer to evaluate proprioception. Assessments were evaluated at baseline, after first exercise and eighthweek. The hamstring stretching was applied 3days a weekfor 8weeks. Results: Flexibility and position sense were similar in the immediate and long term (p>0.05). However, the motion sense increased significantly in long term within the PNF CRAC group (p=0.02). Conclusion: Both stretching exercises are effective for improving flexibility. Moreover, PNF CRAC improved motion sense more than static stretching in the long term. Clinical trial registration number: NCT04026646.

Comparison of Static Stretching and Muscle Energy Techniques on Hamstring Tightness in Asymptomatic Females

Background: Hamstring flexibility is an essential variable because decreased extensibility can cause injuries, non-specific low back pain and altered lumbopelvic rhythm. Flexibility training is an important component in preventing or rehabilitation of injuries and also a method of improving one’s performance in everyday activities and sports. Objectives: To compare the effects of static stretching &amp; muscle energy techniques on hamstring shortness in females. Methods: A randomized controlled trial conducted at Department of Health Sciences, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering &amp; Information Technology Rahim Yar Khan on 50 asymptomatic females. In this study, 50 females were randomly allocated in two groups strictly following the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Group A received hamstring static stretching, while group B muscle energy techniques (Autogenic inhibition). Informed written consent was taken from each participant. 90-90 test, SLR, Sit and reach test were used as outcome measurement tools of hamstring tightness. 6 sessions in 2 weeks were given to each participant. Baseline as well as follow-up data after 2 consecutive weeks was recorded. Results: Mean age of participants of Groups A &amp; B were 26±1.2, 26±0.9 years respectively. Group B participants showed marked improvement at 90-90 test, SLR, Sit and reach outcome measurement tools compared to group A as p-value was found less than 0.05 which is considered significant. Conclusion: Muscle energy techniques particularly autogenic inhibition have better treatment outcome as compared to hamstring static stretching alone in asymptomatic females with hamstring shortness.

Hamstring Foam Roller release and Sole Self Myofascial Release for Improving Hamstring Muscles Flexibility in Participants with Hamstring Shortness

Hamstring Foam Roller release and Sole Self Myofascial Release for Improving Hamstring Muscles Flexibility in Participants with Hamstring Shortness

THE EFFECT OF 6 WEEKS STATIC STRETCHING AND KINESIOTAPING ON HAMSTRING SHORTNESS IN SOCCER PLAYERS

Hamstring shortness injuries are common in sports activities and occur frequently in activities which involve running, sprinting, jumping or kicking. Restricted flexibility makes the person susceptible to musculoskeletal overuse that significantly affects the individual’s performance level. The present study aimed to compare the effect of 6 weeks’ static stretching and Kinesiotaping on hamstring shortness in the dominant leg of soccer players. Twenty soccer players with hamstring muscle shortness, were randomly selected and divided into two groups. First group of 10 individuals used static stretching training (ST) the average age of (Mean±Std.Dev.) 25.78±2.52, body height 180±5.12cm, body weight 79.65±3.42kg, and BMI 24.52±2.36kg/m2 and second group use Kinesiotape (KT) the average age 23.55±2.30, body height 178±4.91cm, body weight 73.56±3.36kg and BMI 23.21±2.26 kg/m2. The results showed that six weeks of static stretching training and Kinesiotaping had a positive and significant effect on hamstring muscle shortness (p≤0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that six week static stretching and Kinesiotaping have a positive and almost equal effects on hamstring shortness and knee joint’s range of motion of soccer players and can be used as a corrective therapeutic method for such injuries. Article visualizations:

Short-term effect of a hamstring stretching program in hamstring extensibility and sagittal spinal curvatures in high school students

Hamstring shortness and postural deformities are frequent in adolescents. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of a shortterm stretching program in hamstring extensibility and sagittal spinal curvatures in high school students. Sixty-two male high school students aged 14-17 years old performed a 70 seconds hamstring stretching program (3 exercises) twice a week for five weeks during their physical education classes. Hamstring extensibility was measured by the straight leg raise test and sit-and-reach test. Thoracic and lumbar curves and pelvic inclination were measures in relaxed standing and in the sit-and-reach test. These measures were assessed before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention program. Significant increases in the sit-and-reach score (d= 0.23) and in the straight leg raise angle (d= 0.85-0.90) were found. Sagittal spinal curvatures in standing showed no differences between pre- and post-test. In the maximal trunk flexion position during the sit-and-reach was detected a lower thoracic kyphosis and posterior pelvic tilt (p &lt; 0.05) in post-test although with a low size effect (d=0.02-0.22). A hamstring muscle stretching program with a volume of 2 sessions per week (70 seconds each session), for 5 weeks, improves hamstring extensibility in adolescents and slightly reduces the thoracic bending and posterior pelvic tilt in trunk flexion postures with extended knees.

Comparison of Sit and Reach Test, Straight Leg Raise Test and Visual Analogue Scale When Applying Static Stretching and Mulligan's Two Leg Rotation in Young Adults with Hamstring Shortness

Purpose: This study compared the effects of Static stretching and Mulligan’s Two-leg rotation about the Hamstring flexibility, Hip range of motion, and pain. Methods: The subjects were allocated randomly into two groups: Static stretching group (n=13) and Mulligan’s two leg rotation group (n=14). The study was designed with stretching protocols for four minutes and thirty seconds per day five times a week for three weeks in total. Measurements, including the Sit and reach test, Active/Passive Straight leg raise, and Visual analogue scale, were conducted be fore and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using a paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: The flexibility of the two leg rotation group was higher than the static stretching group after the intervention. The post-sit and reach test value of the two leg rotation group was significantly higher than the pre-sit and reach test value of the static stretching group. In addition, the variance of the sit and reach test of the two leg rotation group was significantly higher than that of the static stretching group. Conclusion: These results showed that two leg rotation techniques have a positive effect on the changes in the sit and reach test and active straight leg raise test. Two leg rotation techniques can be recommended as a self-stretching and easier way to stabilize the lum bopelvic rhythm, reduce the stiffness of the muscle and relieve pain. This is effective in preventing muscle damage, enabling muscle re laxation and reducing the risk of injury to the spine during daily lives and in sports activities.

Universal goniometer and electro-goniometer intra-examiner reliability in measuring the knee range of motion during active knee extension test in patients with chronic low back pain with short hamstring muscle

BackgroundBoth universal goniometer and electro-goniometer are used for measuring joint range of motion in physiotherapy. Active knee extension test is a way to assess hamstring shortness in patients with chronic low back pain. The aim of this study was to assess universal goniometer and electro-goniometer reliability in measuring knee angle during active knee extension test.MethodsThis was an intra-examiner reliability study between three measurements of knee extension angle that conducted on 45 patients with chronic low back pain having short hamstring muscle that referring to Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences clinic from 2016 to 2017. Knee extension angle was measured three times during active knee extension test with both universal goniometer and electro-goniometer.The measurement of knee extension angle was done at the beginning, middle and the end of one single session by one experienced physiotherapist.The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM) were used to quantify intra-examiner reliability.ResultsFor both methods, the reliability test values were found to be greater than 0.7 in the range of 0.92 to 0.99 (CI 95% ranged over = 0.94 to 0.99), which are classified as good reliability. The SEMs ranged from 1.04° to 2.16° for both scales.ConclusionUniversal goniometer in clinical evaluations of patients (as they are easy to be employed) and electro-goniometer in laboratory studies (as they are more accurate) are reliable.

Immediate effects and one-week follow-up after neuromuscular electric stimulation alone or combined with stretching on hamstrings extensibility in healthy football players with hamstring shortening

ObjectiveTo assess the immediate and mid-term (after 7 days) effects of electric current combined with simultaneous muscle stretching (EME technique) per comparison to the isolated use of the same current (without applying simultaneous muscle stretching), over the hamstring extensibility in football players with hamstring shortening, and to estimate the clinical benefit of the interventions according to the muscular extensibility. MethodsForty-eight participants were randomized to receive one session of EME technique (n = 26) or one session of the electrical current (EC) alone (n = 22). The measurement of the hamstrings extensibility through the active knee test was carried out before and immediately after each intervention and one week later. ResultsA significant interaction group x time was observed (F2,84 = 7.112, p = 0.001; partial eta squared = 0.145). The hamstrings extensibility changed significantly immediately after the EME technique (147.3° ± 16.4° to 153.5° ± 14.2°, p < 0.05), but not after the EC only (144.2 ± 10.2° to 141.7 ± 7.8°, p > 0.05). One week after the intervention no significant differences were found to the baseline values in both groups. The number needed to treat to prevent one new case of hamstring shortening was 3. ConclusionThe combination of electric current with simultaneous stretching is an effective technique to acutely increase the hamstring extensibility of football players with hamstring shortness.

Effects of static stretching of knee musculature on patellar alignment and knee functional disability in male patients diagnosed with knee extension syndrome: A single-group, pretest–posttest trial

BackgroundKnee extension (Kext) syndrome is based on movement system impairments and is described as knee pain associated with quadriceps stiffness. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of 3 times per week for 4 weeks static stretching of knee musculature on patellar alignment and knee functional disability in male Kext syndrome patients. DesignA single-group, pretest–posttest clinical trial. SettingHazrat-e-Rasoul Akram Hospital. ParticipantsForty-six male Kext syndrome patients aged 18–35 years. MethodsKnee functional disability was assessed by the Kujala questionnaire. Patellar tilt was assessed using the skyline view X-ray. In addition, patella alta was assessed by X-ray using the Insall–Salvati ratio. After intervention, changes in knee flexion–extension range of motion (ROM) and hip adduction were assessed by goniometer and inclinometer. Changes in patellar tilt and patella alta were evaluated. Correlations between muscles length, patellar tilt and knee functional disability were also evaluated. ResultsThe mean of patellar tilt in male Kext syndrome patients was 15.19°. Only the correlation between rectus femoris shortness and patellar tilt (P = 0.002) and the correlation between rectus femoris shortness and knee functional disability (P = 0.037) were significant. Patella alta was not severe in male Kext syndrome patients (1.28 ± 0.10). Knee flexion–extension ROM and femoral adduction increased significantly after a 12-session stretching programme (P < 0.0001). ConclusionThe results demonstrated that rectus femoris shortness had higher correlation with patellar tilt and knee functional disability than iliotibial band and hamstring shortness. Stretching was effective in reducing patellar tilt, patella alta, knee functional disability, increasing knee ROM and hip adduction in these patients.

Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching and Kinesiology Taping on Pelvic Compensation During Double-Knee Extension.

Shortened hamstrings are likely to restrict the anterior pelvic tilt and induce a slumped posture due to the posterior pelvic tilt. This study was conducted to compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching and modified anterior pelvic tilt taping (APTT) on hamstring shortness-associated pelvic compensation while executing seated double-knee extension. Male college students (28 healthy young adults; mean age: 21.4 ± 2.1 years) with hamstring shortness were recruited as study subjects and randomly assigned to either the PNF stretching group (control group) or the APTT group (experimental group). In all the subjects, changes in the movement distance of the centre of gluteal pressure (COGP) as well as rectus abdominis (RA) and semitendinosus (SEM) muscle activities were measured during seated double-knee extension while the respective intervention method was applied. Both groups showed significant decreases in COGP distance and RA muscle activity compared with their respective baseline values (p < 0.05), however, no significant changes were observed in SEM muscle activity. We can infer that not only a direct intervention on the hamstring, such as PNF stretching, but also a modified APTT-mediated pelvic intervention may be used as a method for reducing pelvic compensation induced by hamstring shortness.

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.

글라스톤 기법을 이용한 연부조직가동술과 자가근막이완술이 넙다리뒤근 유연성에 미치는 영향

Twenty subjects with hamstring shortness participated in this study. The subjects were assigned randomly to one of two groups: The Graston technique (GT) group received intervention using a Graston instrument for one minute, and the SMR group performed self-exercises using a foam roll for one minute. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint was measured by active knee extension test, and a handheld dynamometer was utilized to collect the hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength. This experiment †Corresponding Author : jhweon@joongbu.ac.krThis is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.was performed by two physical therapists. The significant level was set at α=0.05.

Aumento de la extensibilidad isquiotibial tras aplicar elongación muscular eléctrica

ObjectiveTo determine the immediate effect of electrical muscle elongation interferential currents through joint range of subjects with hamstring shortness. Material and methodWe performed an initial (pre-test) and final (post-test) assessment where the variable under study was the joint range. The tests applied were the straight leg raise test (SLR) and passive knee extension test (PKE). We used a bipolar interferential current with an amplitude modulation frequency of 100Hz and 4kHz carrier frequency. ResultsStatistically significant improvements were obtained in hamstring extensibility after applying electrical muscle elongation angle for both test (p ≤ 0.0001), with effect size for PKE of R2=0.833 and of R2=0.752 and for SLR. ConclusionsThe use of muscle elongation by interferential currents achieved an immediate increase in hamstring muscle extensibility after being measured by SLR and PKE.

Effects of Lumbopelvic Neutralization on the Electromyographic Activity, Lumbopelvic and Knee Motion during Seated Knee Extension in Subjects with Hamstring Shortness

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of lumbopelvic neutralization on the angle of knee extension, lumbopelvic motion, and the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and rectus abdominis muscles of subjects with hamstring shortness during seated knee extension. [Subjects] Twenty young subjects (14 men, 6 women) with hamstring shortness were recruited for this study. [Methods] A pressure biofeedback unit was used to monitor the lumbopelvic neutralization during seated knee extension with lumbopelvic neutralization. The EMG activity and kinematic data were measured during seated knee extension with and without lumbopelvic neutralization. Surface EMG was used for measuring the muscle activities of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and rectus abdominis muscles. The angles of knee extension, lumbar flexion, lumbar rotation, and posterior pelvic tilt were measured using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. [Results] The angles of the lumbar flexion, lumbar rotation, posterior pelvic tilt, and knee extension decreased significantly when performing seated knee extension with lumbopelvic neutralization compared to performing the same maneuver without lumbopelvic neutralization. The EMG activities of the medial and lateral hamstrings, quadriceps, and rectus abdominis decreased significantly during seated knee extension with lumbopelvic neutralization using a pressure biofeedback unit. [Conclusion] Seated knee extension exercise with lumbopelvic neutralization may be useful for minimizing compensatory lumbopelvic motion and preventing compensatory hamstrings and rectus abdominis muscle activities of subjects with hamstring shortness during seated knee extension.