Comparison of Distance and Angular Analysis for Measurement of Hamstring Flexibility in Preschoolers

The study aimed to (1) investigate the reliability and usefulness of a proposed angular analysis during a modified sit-and-reach (MSR) test, and (2) compare the proposed MSR angular analysis and the commonly used MSR distance to verify the influence of the anthropometric characteristics in preschoolers. 194 preschoolers participated in the study. Before testing, the anthropometric characteristics were collected. Each participant performed the MSR test twice. The MSR distance score was obtained from the starting point to the reaching point, while the MSR angle score was calculated according to the approximate hip flexion angle. Both the relative and absolute reliability were good for the angular analysis during an MSR test in preschoolers (ICC ranging from 0.82 to 0.91, CV% ranging from 8.21 to 9.40). The angular analysis demonstrated good usefulness, with a lower typical error than the smallest worthwhile change in 3- and 5-year-old groups. The MSR angle scores could eliminate the concern of the influence of anthropometric characteristics, while MSR distance and anthropometric characteristics (i.e., sitting height and arm length) were found to be weakly correlated. In conclusion, the angular analysis when performing the MSR test is reliable and appears to eliminate the concern regarding the limb length bias.

Effects of a Single Session of Floss Band Intervention on Flexibility of Thigh, Knee Joint Proprioception, Muscle Force Output, and Dynamic Balance in Young Adults

The floss band (FB) has been correlated with increases in the joint range of motion (ROM). However, the literature on FB effectiveness in knee joint ROM and athletic performance remains sparse. This study investigated the effects of FB on the flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings, knee joint proprioception, muscle force output, and dynamic balance in men. Thirty recreationally active men without musculoskeletal disorders were randomized to receive FB (Lime Green; Sanctband flossband) and elastic bandage (EB) intervention on the dominant knee joint. Participants received two interventions on two occasions with 2 days of rest between interventions. The primary outcome was the flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings; the secondary outcomes were knee proprioception (joint reposition angle error), knee muscle force output, and dynamic balance. Preintervention and postintervention (immediately following band removal and 20 min later) measurements were obtained. After FB intervention, hamstring flexibility (immediately: p < 0.001; 20 min later: p < 0.001) and quadriceps flexibility (immediately: p < 0.001; 20 min later: p < 0.001), quadriceps muscle force output (immediately: p = 0.007; 20 min later: p < 0.001), and dynamic balance (both immediately and 20 min later, p < 0.001) were significantly improved. Compared with EB intervention, FB intervention significantly improved knee extension ROM (immediately and 20 min later, both p < 0.001), knee flexion ROM (immediately, p = 0.01; 20 min later, p = 0.03), hamstrings muscle force output (20 min later, p = 0.022) and dynamic balance (immediately, p = 0.016; 20 min later, p = 0.004). Regarding proprioception, no significant difference among time points and conditions was observed. In conclusion, FB intervention can significantly improve the flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings, quadriceps muscle force output, and dynamic balance without impeding knee proprioception. Physiotherapists or athletic professionals may consider FB intervention as a potential tool as a warmup to enhance the flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings, quadriceps muscle force output, and dynamic balance in young adults.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Passive Hamstring Stretching Technique and Neurodynamic Sciatic Nerve Sliding Technique in Low Back Pain

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a very common health problem worldwide having global point prevalence of 9.4%. Correlations have been found between decreased length of the hamstrings and LBP. It was found that improving the flexibility of hamstrings can significantly reduce chronic LBP. This study compared the effectiveness of two techniques i.e. passive hamstring stretching technique (PHS) and neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique (NDS) on hamstring flexibility and pain in non-radiating LBP patients. Methods: 26 patients between the age group of 25-45 years having non-radiating LBP were recruited in the study. Group A (n=13) were given passive hamstring stretching while Group B (n=13) performed neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique under guidance of the researcher. Baseline data were obtained for hamstring length and pain before and after intervention. Pain was assessed using ‘visual analogue scale’ and hamstring length was measured using ‘passive knee extension test’. Intervention was performed on alternate days for three sessions with 48 hours rest period in between each session. Results: Data were analysed for hamstring length and pain between both the groups using ‘unpaired t’ test. NDS technique was statistically significantly more effective in improving pain (p =0.03 at 95%CI= -2.07 to -0.09). There was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of both techniques in improving hamstring length (p =0.08 at 95%CI= -3.4 to 0.25). Conclusions: Both the techniques are equally effective in improving hamstring length, however NDS was more effective in improving pain in low back pain patients as compared to PHS. Keywords: Low back pain; Neural sliders; Static hamstring stretch; Hamstring flexibility .

Does Self-Myofascial Release Cause a Remote Hamstring Stretching Effect Based on Myofascial Chains? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The hamstring muscles are described as forming part of myofascial chains or meridians, and the superficial back line (SBL) is one such chain. Good hamstring flexibility is fundamental to sporting performance and is associated with prevention of injuries of these muscles. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of self-myofascial release (SMR) on hamstring flexibility and determine which segment of the SBL resulted in the greatest increase in flexibility. Methods: 94 volunteers were randomly assigned to a control group or to one of the five intervention groups. In the intervention groups, SMR was applied to one of the five segments of the SBL (plantar fascia, posterior part of the sural fascia, posterior part of the crural fascia, lumbar fascia or epicranial aponeurosis) for 10 min. The analyzed variables were hamstring flexibility at 30 s, 2, 5, and 10 min, and dorsiflexion range of motion before and after the intervention. Results: Hamstring flexibility and ankle dorsiflexion improved when SMR was performed on any of the SBL segments. The segments with the greatest effect were the posterior part of the sural fascia when the intervention was brief (30 s to 2 min) or the posterior part of the crural fascia when the intervention was longer (5 or 10 min). In general, 50% of the flexibility gain was obtained during the first 2 min of SMR. Conclusions: The SBL may be considered a functional structure, and SMR to any of the segments can improve hamstring flexibility and ankle dorsiflexion.

The Effect of Static Stretch and Dynamic Range of Motion Training on the Flexibility of the Hamstring Muscle

Introduction: A normal flexibility is required for an appropriate posture and entire activity in daily life. Hamstring is the muscle that is more prone for tightness. It present in all age groups and it increases with age and more over it is the muscle that is most prone to injuries during sporting activities. With regard to various methods that contribute to increasing flexibility of hamstring muscles, the current study aimed at investigating immediate effects of static stretching and dynamic range of motion training on hamstring flexibility increasing muscle flexibility. Methodology: 30 patients, age range 21-50 years, diagnosed with the Population who had hamstring tightness and divided equally into two groups-Group A and Group B .In Group B-Static Stretch exercise and in Group A-Dynamic Range of Motion Training exercise. Result: Pre and post evaluation of active knee extension test was taken. Result shows that there was significant improvement noted in both the groups (GROUP A: P value .000, t value:-17.9) and (GROUP B: P value: .000, t value:-17.6) Conclusion: Both the static stretch and dynamic exercise can be considered as an effective method for increasing flexibility and improving functions with hamstring tightness patients. Key words: Hamstring flexibility, Dynamic range of motion, and static stretch.

IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF NEURAL MOBILIZATION ON HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE AMONG FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN VADODARA

Background: Hamstring muscle injuries are a common occurrence in a wide range of sprint-based sports which accounts about 13-15% of injuries in football players. The predisposing factors for it are poor hamstring flexibility & neural tension. Epidemiological research has cited reduced flexibility as an etiological factor in acute muscle strain injury and can influence functional performance. To prevent hamstring muscle injury, routine traditional intervention is used. Neural mobilization has been an emerging technique but its research on sports field is very limited. Thus, the need of the study was to examine the immediate effect of neural mobilization on hamstring flexibility and Functional performance using this new technique and also to prevent/decrease the risk of hamstring muscle injury. To Aim: evaluate the immediate effect of Sciatic Neural Mobilization technique on Hamstring Flexibility and Functional Performance among Football Players in Vadodara. Methodology: 48 Male Football Players who met the Inclusion Criteria were recruited from Baroda Football Academy (BFA) and Swarnim Gujarat Sports University (SGSU). There was a short session of 3 minutes warm up. The Baseline and post-intervention data collection was done in a sequential order (Bilateral Hamstring Flexibility, Vertical jump test, Four-Line Sprint Test) in which in between Vertical jump & Four-Line Sprint Test 5 minutes break was provided to avoid fatigue. Following 5 minutes break, Sciatic neural sliding mobilization was given for bilateral lower limb to participants by physiotherapist. The Data were analyzed using Result: Paired t- Test, and there was statistically significant improvement in all the three outcome measures (P = < 0.001) Conclusion: The present study showed that sciatic neural mobilization had a Positive effect on hamstring flexibility and functional performance among Football Players in Vadodara.

Sub Occipital Muscle Inhibition Technique Verses Cranial Cervical Flexion Exercise for Increasing Hamstring Flexibility in Physiotherapy Students

Background: Variation in flexibility can put an unusual amount of annoyance on the framework of the musculoskeletal system. The hamstring muscles are restricted when they are short, which can interfere with everyday activities and is usually a cause for concern. The flexibility of the hamstrings increases as the suboccipital muscles' tone deteriorates,, which are is single neuronal pathway that goes through the dura mater and connects them and which is called as the superficial back line (SBL). Hence as an intervention suboccipital muscle inhibition technique and cranial cervical technique is less time and energy consuming with efficient amount of results. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique verses cranial cervical technique for increasing hamstring flexibility. Methods: Here we will evaluate hamstring tightness and impact of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique verses cranial cervical technique as an intervention with duration of 2 weeks. As an outcome measure Sit and reach test is given to desired population .This study will be conducted in Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Sawangi, Meghe, Wardha. The duration of study will be two week. The study design is pre and post interventional study. Results: The data will be analysed using Student paired t test. Conclusion: The expected outcome includes detection of hamstring tightness and improvement in hamstring tightness using sit and reach test. Data analysis will be done using students paired t test and conclusion of the study will be published after the results are analysed.

The Immediate Effect of Static Hamstring Stretching on Dynamic Balance and Gait Biomechanical Variables in Athletes With Hamstring Tightness: A Preliminary Study

Introduction: Flexibility is an essential component of muscle function, and insufficient muscle flexibility may lead to muscle injuries. Decreased hamstring flexibility is one of the frequently reported risk factors for a hamstring strain and diminished athletic performance. Stretching is a commonly used intervention for increasing muscle length. There is a lack of evidence concerning the possible effects of hamstring stretching in balance and gait biomechanics. So, this study was designed to investigate the potential effects of static hamstring stretching on the range of motion (ROM), dynamic balance, and biomechanical variables of gait in athletes with hamstring tightness. Materials and Methods: This study is a single-group, pretest-posttest clinical trial performed on semi-professional female athletes. Twelve female athletes aged 20 to 35 years with bilateral hamstring tightness received a single session of unilateral static hamstring stretching on their randomly selected side. All subjects were assessed for straight leg raise, popliteal angle (using standard goniometry), perceived hamstring tightness (using a visual analog scale). They completed single-leg standing and 15-m walking and running tasks before and immediately after the intervention. The biomechanical parameters, including gait-line length, swing duration, and stance duration in walking tasks, maximum total force and mean total force in running task, and center of pressure (COP) displacement and standard deviation during balance task were measured using OpenGo sensor insole system. The pre-post values were compared using the paired sample t-test, and the level of significance was 0.05. Results: The values for straight leg raise and popliteal angle significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with the baseline, while perceived tightness significantly decreased following stretching (P<0.001). The amplitude (P₌0.006) and standard deviation (P₌0.016) of COP displacement in the mediolateral direction during the single leg stance balance task were significantly decreased after the intervention. Stance duration in slow walking (P₌0.004), as well as stance duration (P₌0.012) and swing duration (P<0.001) in fast walking, were significantly decreased (P<0.05) after stretching. No change was observed in gait biomechanical variables during the running test (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that static hamstring stretching can be a promising intervention not just for increasing hamstring flexibility but also for improving balance ability.

Comparison of mobilization with movement and Mulligan knee taping on Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Objective: The objectives of study are to compare Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and Mulligan knee taping (MT) on anterior knee pain, hamstring flexibility and Physical performance of lower limb. Methods: A randomized control trail was conducted from July to Dec 2019. Ethical approval from Riphah research ethical committee was taken. Total 34 participants of both genders, having Patellofemoral pain were recruited by purposive sampling technique. Randomly assignment into two groups; MWM and MT was done. Both groups were treated for 2 days per 2 consecutive weeks. Outcomes measures were Numeric pain rating scale(NPRS), Kujala pain rating scale, Active knee extension test(AKE) and Time up and go test(TUG). Assessment were taken at baseline, 2nd and 6th weeks after treatment. Data analysis was done through SPSS-21 version. Results: Between group analysis has shown statistically significant improvement (p< 0.000) in NPRS and Kujala score in MWM group whereas hamstring flexibility is significant in (p< 0.000) MT group. Within group analysis has shown a statistically significant differences (p< 0.000) for all outcome variable in both groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that Mulligan’s MWM is more effective in treatment of patellofemoral pain and associated knee functional performance. Clinical Trial Number: This clinical trail is prospectively registered at www.ClinicalTrails.gov(NCT04173468) Keywords: Anterior knee Pain. Patellofemoral pain Syndrome, Mobilizations with Movement, Mulligan knee taping, Kujala pain rating scale, Active knee extension test, Continuous....

Age-Related Differences in Hamstring Flexibility in Prepubertal Soccer Players: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the hamstring flexibility rate among prepubertal soccer players from U8 to U12 and the role of age and soccer years of practice on the course of hamstring flexibility. Six hundred eleven young Italian soccer players from a local soccer school in Turin were recruited for this research and assigned to each group according to their chronological age (U8 = 124 players; U9 = 130 players; U10 = 151 players; U11 = 89 players; and U12 = 120 players). Hamstring flexibility was measured using the Sit and Reach Test (SAR), while data analysis was run using a one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). Furthermore, Tuckey’s post hoc was used to determine differences among the classes of age. Finally, a bivariate ordinal regression analysis was used to evaluate a potential association between age categories and hamstrings flexibility. In addition, multivariable ordinal regression was used to analyze this relationship adjusted for the Body Mass Index (BMI). The one-way ANOVA showed significant differences in flexibility among groups (F = 32.76, P &lt; 0.0001). Tuckey’s post hoc identified significant differences between U8 and U10 (p &lt; 0.01; −2,39 cm of hamstring stretching), U8 and U11 (p &lt; 0.05; −2.19 cm), U8 and U12 (p &lt; 0.0001; −5.90), U9 and U12 (p &lt; 0.0001; −4.98 cm), U10 and U12 (p &lt; 0.0001; −3.5 cm), U11 and U12 (p &lt; 0,001; −3.70 cm). In the bivariate ordinal regression analysis, there was a negative association between the age categories and hamstrings flexibility (R2 = 0.137; p &lt; 0.0001). The association persisted in multivariable ordinal regression analysis adjusted for BMI (R2 = 0.138; p &lt; 0.0001). This study underlines changes in hamstring flexibility across different age groups of prepubertal soccer players. The older and more experienced in soccer are less flexible than the younger, considering the hamstring muscles. Thus, appropriate stretching protocols should be included in prepubertal soccer training to avoid the risk of lead players to excess hamstring tightness.