Influence of hamstring muscle extensibility on spinal curvatures in young athletes

To determine whether the degree of hamstring muscle extensibility influences the sagittal spinal curvatures in standing, slumped sitting, and maximal trunk flexion on young athletes. Sixty-five elite paddlers (mean age: 13.35 ± 0.61 years) participated in the study. The thoracic and lumbar angles we...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science & sports 2010-09, Vol.25 (4), p.188-193
Main Authors: López-Miñarro, P.A., Alacid, F.
Format: Article
Language:eng ; fre
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Colonne vertébrale
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Lombaire
Lumbar
Posture
Spine
Straight leg raise
Test d’élévation de la jambe droite
Thoracic
Thoracique
Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
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Summary:To determine whether the degree of hamstring muscle extensibility influences the sagittal spinal curvatures in standing, slumped sitting, and maximal trunk flexion on young athletes. Sixty-five elite paddlers (mean age: 13.35 ± 0.61 years) participated in the study. The thoracic and lumbar angles were measured with a Unilevel inclinometer in relaxed standing, slumped sitting, and maximal trunk flexion with knees extended. Pelvic angle was also measured in the maximal trunk flexion. Hamstring muscle extensibility was determined in both legs by passive straight leg raise test (PSLR). The sample was divided into three groups with regards to PSLR angle: (1) reduced extensibility (PSLR < 70°, n = 21), (2) normal extensibility (PSLR = 70°–80°, n = 22), and (3) improved extensibility (PSLR > 80°, n = 22). The ANOVA analysis showed significant differences among groups for thoracic ( p < 0.01) and pelvic ( p < 0.001) angles in maximal trunk flexion. No differences were found among groups for standing and slumped sitting. Post hoc analysis showed significant differences between all pairwise comparisons for pelvic angle and thoracic angle ( p < 0.001). The hamstring muscle extensibility influences the thoracic and pelvic postures when maximal trunk flexion was performed. A systematic stretching programme to improve hamstring extensibility should be incorporated to training activities. Déterminer si le degré de flexibilité des muscles ischiojambiers conditionne les courbures de la colonne vertébrale en position debout bipodale, position assise relâchée et flexion maximale du tronc, chez les jeunes sportifs. Soixante-cinq kayakistes de haut niveau (moyenne d’âge : 13,35 ± 0,61 ans) ont participé à l’étude. Les angles thoraciques et lombaires ont été mesurés par un inclinométre Unilevel en position debout bipodale relâchée, position assise relâchée et flexion maximale du tronc avec les genoux tendus. L’angle pelvien a aussi été mesuré en flexion maximale du tronc. La flexibilité des muscles ischiojambiers a été mesurée dans les deux jambes avec le test d’élévation de la jambe droite (PSLR). L’échantillon a été divisé en trois groupes selon la valeur angulaire du l’PSLR : (1) flexibilité reduite (PSLR < 70°, n = 21), (2) flexibilité moyenne (PSLR = 70°–80°, n = 22) et (3) flexibilité développée (PSLR > 80°, n = 22). L’analyse de variance a montré des différences significatives entre les groupes dans les angles thoraciques ( p < 0,01) et pelviens ( p < 0,001) lors de la f
ISSN:0765-1597
DOI:10.1016/j.scispo.2009.10.004