Effect of pelvic position and stretching method on hamstring muscle flexibility. 1992

M K Sullivan, and J J Dejulia, and T W Worrell
Krannert Graduate School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis, IN 46227.

Hamstring muscle strain represents a significant injury to the athlete participating in sporting activities. Lack of hamstring flexibility has been correlated to hamstring muscle injury. There is, however, conflict concerning the most efficient hamstring stretching technique. The purpose of this study was to compare static stretch (SS) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) hamstring stretching techniques while maintaining the pelvis in two testing positions: anterior pelvic tilt (APT) or posterior pelvic tilt (PPT). Two groups of 10 subjects were randomly assigned to either an APT or PPT position. Each subject then performed eight sessions using PNF on one leg and SS on the other leg while maintaining the pelvis in the assigned position. Hamstring flexibility was assessed with the hip positioned at 90 degrees while actively extending the knee, i.e., active knee extension test (AKET). A two-way ANOVA comparing stretching technique and pelvic position revealed that the APT group significantly increased hamstring flexibility (P = 0.0375). There was not a significant difference between SS or PNF stretching technique in the APT position. There was not a significant increase in hamstring flexibility in the PPT group with either stretching technique (P > 0.05). The results suggest that APT position was more important than stretching method for increasing hamstring muscle flexibility.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D009132 Muscles Contractile tissue that produces movement in animals. Muscle Tissue,Muscle,Muscle Tissues,Tissue, Muscle,Tissues, Muscle
D010384 Pelvic Bones Bones that constitute each half of the pelvic girdle in VERTEBRATES, formed by fusion of the ILIUM; ISCHIUM; and PUBIC BONE. Coxal Bone,Hip Bone,Innominate Bones,Bone, Coxal,Bone, Hip,Bone, Innominate,Bone, Pelvic,Bones, Coxal,Bones, Hip,Bones, Innominate,Bones, Pelvic,Coxal Bones,Hip Bones,Innominate Bone,Pelvic Bone
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D013848 Thigh The superior part of the lower extremity between the HIP and the KNEE. Thighs

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