SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Hamstring Muscles”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,477 records · Page 82Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Gait analysis and muscle strength in children with surgically treated clubfeet.

Twenty-three children who had unilateral surgery for idiopathic clubfeet underwent gait analysis and isokinetic muscle-strength testing at an average of 10 years after surgical release. Ankle sagittal-plane kinematics were disturbed in 20 clubfeet. Fifteen children had an internal foot-progression angle. Genu valgum and knee hyperextension were common. Plantarflexion power was decreased by 23% on the side of surgery (p = 0.00005). Quadriceps weakness (defined as a decrease in strength >10% of the nonoperated-on limb's strength) was seen in nine of 22 operated-on limbs and hamstring weakness in eight of 22. Gastrocsoleus weakness exceeded 10% in 16 of 21 clubfeet. Average weakness of the gastrocsoleus was 27% (p < 0.05). Ten-year analysis of children treated with clubfoot releases revealed disturbances in ankle motion and strength. Loss of plantarflexion power and gastrocsoleus strength can be predicted by Achilles tendon lengthening. Knee kinematic abnormalities and weakness also were seen. These abnormalities produce functional difficulties in gait and may lead to degenerative changes later.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2004

Conversion of biarticular to monoarticular muscles as a component of multilevel surgery in spastic diplegia.

We treated 20 children (40 limbs) with diplegic cerebral palsy who could walk by multilevel soft tissue operative procedures including conversion of the biarticular semitendinosus and gastrocnemius to monoarticular muscles. The mean age at surgery was 11.5 years (5.6 to 17.0). All patients underwent clinical and radiological examination and three-dimensional instrumented gait analysis before and at a mean of 3.1 years (2.0 to 4.5) after surgery. The passive range of movement at the ankle, knee and hip showed improvement at follow-up. Kinematic parameters indicated a reduced pelvic range of movement and improvement of extension of the knee in single stance after operation (p < 0.0001). However, post-operative back-kneeing was detected in five of the 40 limbs. The kinetic studies showed that the power of the hamstrings and plantar flexors of the ankle was maintained while the maximum knee extensor moment during stance was reduced. The elimination of knee flexor activity of semitendinosus and gastrocnemius combined with transfer of distal rectus femoris led to an improvement in gait as confirmed by gait analysis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2007

Gender differences in knee kinematics and muscle activity during single limb drop landing.

The likelihood of sustaining an ACL injury in a noncontact situation is two to eight times greater for females than for males. However, the mechanism and risk factors of ACL injury are still unknown. We compared knee kinematics as well as electromyographic activity during landing between male and female athletes. Eighteen male athletes and nineteen female athletes participated in the experiment. The angular displacements of flexion/extension, valgus/varus, and internal/external tibial rotation, as well as the translational displacements of anterior/posterior tibial translation during single limb drop landing were calculated. Simultaneous electromyographical activity of the rectus femoris (RF) and hamstrings (Ham) was taken. During landing, internal tibial rotation of the females was significantly larger than that of the males, while differences were not observed in flexion, varus, valgus, and anterior tibial translation. Hamstrings/quadriceps ratio (HQR) for the 50 ms time period before foot contact was greater in males than in females. The mechanism of noncontact ACL injury during a single limb drop landing would be internal tibial rotation combined with valgus rotation of the knee. Increased internal tibial rotation combined with greater quadriceps activity and a low HQR could be one reason female athletes have a higher incidence of noncontact ACL injuries.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Eccentric and concentric isokinetic moment characteristics in the quadriceps and hamstrings of the chronic isolated posterior cruciate ligament injured knee.

OBJECTIVE: Functional strength deficits associated with chronic isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) insufficiency have received limited attention in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the eccentric and concentric isokinetic moment characteristics of the quadriceps and hamstrings in a sample of patients with isolated PCL injury. METHODS: Eccentric and concentric mean average and average peak moments were measured for 17 patients with a history of conservatively treated isolated PCL injury using an isokinetic dynamometer. Quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic moments were recorded from 10 degree to 90 degree of knee flexion. Strength ratios were calculated and compared with those reported in the literature for healthy subjects. RESULTS: The hamstrings of the involved side (eccentric/concentric (E/C) ratio = 1.06) were significantly weaker (p<0.05) eccentrically than those of the contralateral side (E/C ratio = 1.29). All hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratios were less than the universally accepted value of 0.60 and the eccentric H/Q ratio for the injured extremity was significantly lower than the non-injured (p<0.05). In a bilateral comparison, the injured/non-injured (I/N) ratio was less than 1.00 for concentric quadriceps, eccentric quadriceps, and hamstring isokinetic moments. Calculation of the E/C ratio showed that, for the quadriceps, it was 1.08 on the injured side and 1.07 on the non-injured extremity. CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric strengthening should be an integral part of functionally rehabilitating the quadriceps and hamstrings of athletes who suffer from the complications associated with chronic isolated PCL insufficiency.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft.

BACKGROUND: Surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is indicated in the ACL-deficient knee with symptomatic instability and multiple ligaments injuries. Bone patellar tendon-bone and the hamstring tendon generally have been used. In the present study, we describe an alternative graft, the quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft, by using arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. METHODS: From March of 1996 through March of 1997, a quadriceps tendon-patellar bone autograft was used in 12 patients with ACL injuries. RESULTS: After 15 to 24 months of follow-up, the clinical outcome for those patients with this graft have been encouraging. Ten patients could return to the same or a higher level of preinjury sports activity. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee rating system, 10 of the 12 patients had normal or nearly normal ratings. Recovery of quadriceps muscle strength to 80% of the normal knee was achieved in 11 patients in 1 year. CONCLUSION: The advantages of the quadriceps tendon graft include the following: the graft is larger and stronger than the patellar tendon; morbidity of harvest technique and donor site is less than that of patellar tendon graft; there is little quadriceps inhibition after quadriceps harvest; there is quicker return to sports activities with aggressive rehabilitation. A quadriceps tendon-patellar autograft is a reasonable alternative to ACL reconstruction in patients who are not suitable for either a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft or a hamstring tendon autograft.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

The medial hamstring reflex in the level-diagnosis of a lumbar disc herniation.

Evaluation of the medial hamstring reflex (MHR) was included in the routine neurological examination of 52 hospitalized patients with a suspected lumbar disc protrusion. The MHR was tested in the supine patient with the hip slightly flexed, externally rotated and abducted. The ipsilateral knee was semiflexed and supported by one of the examiner's hands. The reflex muscle contraction was elicited by striking the index finger of the supporting hand placed on the tendons in question with a reflex hammer. The positive predictive value of an abnormal MHR as a sign of herniation from the fourth lumbar disc was found to be 85-89 per cent and the negative predictive value to be 51-61 per cent. The corresponding values when considering an abnormal Achilles tendon reflex as a sign of herniation from the fifth lumbar disc were calculated to be 67-84 per cent and 79-84 per cent, respectively. It is therefore recommended to include the MHR in the neurological examination of patients with a suspected lumbar disc protrusion.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Reliability of Cybex II isokinetic evaluations of torque in post-poliomyelitis syndrome.

The aim of this study was to ascertain the reliability of isokinetic strength measurements in a population of post-poliomyelitis subjects (PPS). Eight subjects (four males and females, mean age of 47.5 +/- 10 and 56.8 +/- 16 years, respectively) were evaluated, on a weekly basis for three weeks at approximately the same time of day. During each test session the knee flexors and extensors (bilaterally, where possible) were evaluated. Subjects became familiar with the equipment prior to recording three maximal contractions at the four test velocities (1.05, 2.09, 3.14, 4.18rads.s-1). A two-minute rest period was allowed between sets of contractions. The variables of peak torque, angle of peak torque, torque at specific joint angles (0.79 and 1.05rads), total contractile work, maximum power, and average power were measured on-line with the Cybex II a system using a commercially available software package. In both muscle groups, all the variables were significantly weaker on the most affected, but testable limb (p < 0.01) in subjects where both limbs could be tested (n = 5). Peak torque and total work of the quadriceps were observed to decrease with increasing velocity of movement. The effects of velocity were less apparent in the hamstrings. Average and maximum power developed by the knee extensors and flexors increased with increasing velocity of movement. Reliability of performance over three test sessions was confirmed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values derived from the univariate ANOVAs calculated for each of the above variables (> 0.80).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Electromyographic investigation of stretching: the effect of warm-up.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the fine wire electromyographic (EMG) firing patterns during static stretches in the biceps femoris, soleus, and gastrocnemius before and after warm-up as well as over time. DESIGN: Experimental single group pretest-posttest design. SETTING: Biomechanics research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen healthy volunteers 23 to 36 years of age with no history of lower extremity injury. INTERVENTION: Subjects performed one hamstring stretch and four calf stretches for 90 seconds, bicycled for 30 minutes as a warm-up, and stretched again. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: EMG was recorded at time 0, 30, 60, and 90 seconds during the stretches before and after warm-up. Recorded values were normalized to EMG during maximum manual muscle testing (MMT). A two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures (p < 0.05) was done to compare EMG activity during stretching before and after warm-up as well as over time. RESULTS: Low EMG activity was seen for all muscles (< 20% MMT). It was constant over the time of the stretch for all muscles, but it increased in the soleus during the bent knee stretch position. There was a statistically significant decrease in the EMG activity after the warm-up for the gastrocnemius using the traditional and heel off stretching positions and for the soleus using the heel off stretching position (p < 0.05). The biceps femoris EMG activity showed no significant differences before and after warm-up. CONCLUSIONS: EMG activity during static stretching was low. Overall, the EMG activity remained constant with time for a given stretch position. EMG of the soleus and gastrocnemius was significantly less after warm-up for some stretches, whereas the EMG activity of biceps femoris showed no differences before and after warm-up.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Joint position sense and rehabilitation in the anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee.

BACKGROUND: Impaired joint position sense (JPS) has been shown in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient and osteoarthritic knees. The relation between JPS and function is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine further if ACL deficient knees show abnormal JPS and the effect of exercise therapy on JPS, and also to assess the relation between JPS, functional stability, and strength. METHODS: Fifty patients (46 men and four women, mean age 26.3 years) with unilateral ACL deficient knees were assessed on admission and after rehabilitation (5 hours a day for four weeks). JPS was assessed by reproduction of passive positioning using a visual analogue incorporating a goniometer. Knee stability was analysed by self report questionnaire (score 0-280) and functional activity test (single leg hop and figure of eight run). Isokinetic dynamometry was performed to evaluate quadriceps and hamstring peak torque strength. Controls were either age and sex matched individuals or the contralateral knee. Statistical analysis was by Wilcoxon signed rank test and Spearman rank order correlation coefficient. RESULTS: JPS was impaired in ACL deficient knees. The mean (SD) errors in reproducing angles were 9.4 (3.1) degrees and 7.1 (2.3) degrees for the ACL deficient knee and control knee respectively (P < 0.0005). There was no improvement in JPS after rehabilitation (9.4 (3.1) degrees and 8.5 (3.2) degrees before and after rehabilitation respectively, P = 0.14). There was improvement as ascertained from the questionnaire (on admission 202 (32.1), after rehabilitation 243 (25.4), P < 0.0001) and functional activity testing (hop: on admission 148.7 (37.3) cm, after rehabilitation 169.8 (31.1) cm, P < 0.0005; figure of eight: on admission 48.4 (16.6) seconds, after rehabilitation 41.6 (3.4) seconds, P < 0.0001). Quadriceps strength improved (peak torque on admission 198.5 (58.9) Nm, after rehabilitation 210.5 (54.2) Nm, P < 0.05), but not hamstring strength (peak torque on admission 130.6 (28.1) Nm, after rehabilitation 135.5 (27.7) Nm, P = 0.24). JPS did not correlate with the functional activity tests (hop and figure of eight run), the responses to the questionnaire, or strength. There was no correlation between the responses to the questionnaire and functional activity tests or muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: JPS was impaired in ACL deficient knees. Although knee stability improved with exercise therapy, there was no improvement in JPS. The role of JPS in the stability of ACL deficient knees remains unclear.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Selective neurotomies for relief of spasticity focalized to the foot and to the knee flexors. Results in a series of 58 patients.

Fifty-eight patients with a mean age of 24 years (range 5 to 65 years) who underwent selective neurotomies (SN) for harmful spasticity focalized to the lower limb are presented. In 43 of the patients who suffered spastic foot, SN was directed to the tibial nerve. In 10 others who had spastic knee flexors, the target was the hamstring branches of the sciatic trunk. In the remaining 5 patients, SN concerned both nerves. The aim of the section was to reduce partially the number of the fascicles conveying the excessive spasticity. A stimulation of the nerve above and below the section is performed to check the effectiveness of surgery on the corresponding muscle(s). At long-term follow-up evaluation (mean duration: 4.2 years), this study shows that 40 patients (i.e., 68.9% of the cases) experienced a better quality of life, related to the disappearance or a notable regression of the spasticity in 72.4% of the cases and to improved motor capacities in 65.5% of the cases. Post-operative complications were few, consisting of talus foot in 2 cases and dysaesthesias of the foot on the plantar aspect in 3 cases. This study shows that SN is able to take its place in the surgical armamentarium for treating disabling localized spasticity when it cannot be successfully controlled by rehabilitation and medical therapy. An appropriate candidate selection and intensive postoperative rehabilitation are mandatory to obtain good and long lasting results.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Alterations in surgical decision making in patients with cerebral palsy based on three-dimensional gait analysis.

The purpose of this study was to compare surgical recommendations made by clinicians experienced in gait analysis when using information provided from the clinical examination and videotape, with recommendations made after the addition of kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic (EMG) data. Ninety-one patients with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy were seen in the gait laboratory as part of the surgical decision-making process. Experienced clinicians reviewed video and clinical examination data for each patient and made surgical recommendations. Joint kinematics and kinetics and EMG data were then reviewed, and a second set of surgical recommendations was made. Comparisons between these recommendations showed that the addition of gait-analysis data resulted in changes in surgical recommendations in 52% of the patients, with an associated reduction in cost of surgery, not to mention the human impact of an inappropriate surgical decision, which is more likely without gait analysis. When changes in recommendations were made, an increase in surgical recommendations was observed for the gastrocnemius (59%) and rectus femoris (65%), whereas decreases were observed for the hamstrings (61%), psoas (78%), hip adductors (83%), femur (86%), and tibia (64%).

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed2005

A biomechanical comparison between the single-axis and multi-axis total knee arthroplasty systems for the stand-to-sit movement.

BACKGROUND: Compared to the design of a traditional multi-axis total knee arthroplasty, the single-axis arthroplasty studied has a fixed flexion/extension center of rotation in the femoral component. The influence of this characteristic on functional daily activity, i.e., stand-to-sit, is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different arthroplasty designs on knee kinematic and lower limb muscular activation for the stand-to-sit movement. METHODS: Sixteen unilateral, posterior-stabilized knee arthroplasty participants (8 single-axis and 8 multi-axis) with excellent Knee Society scores performed 4 trials of the stand-to-sit test. Three-dimensional video analysis of whole body and joint kinematics and electromyography analysis of quadriceps and hamstrings were conducted. One-way ANOVAs were used for statistical analyses (alpha=0.05). FINDINGS: The multi-axis group showed some functional adaptations while sitting down. The single-axis group exhibited less arthroplasty limb quadriceps electromyography and hamstring co-activation electromyography than the multi-axis group. For the arthroplasty limb, single-axis demonstrated less abduction angular displacement and reached peak abduction earlier than the multi-axis arthroplasty limb. The estimated effect size for this study was 0.196. INTERPRETATION: The single-axis design requires less eccentric knee extensor muscle activation and exhibits greater medio-lateral stability than the multi-axis designs. Findings from this study could provide useful information to orthopedic knee surgeons and rehabilitative specialists.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2005

Comparing 2-year outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either patella-tendon or semitendinosus-tendon autografts: a non-randomised prospective study.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions using either a patella-tendon autograft or a semitendinosus-tendon autograft. METHODS: Based on surgeon experience and preference, 68 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using either a quadruple-strand semitendinosus autograft (n = 34) or a central one-third bone-patella tendon-bone autograft (n = 34). Each patient was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, and 24 months using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee score, Biodex muscle strength and endurance testing, and the KT1000 instrumented arthrometer test of knee laxity to anterior translation. All assessments at the 2-year follow-up were performed by the same physician and physiotherapist. RESULTS: While ACL reconstruction improved knee stability and IKDC knee scores significantly, there was no statistically significant difference between semitendinosus- and patella-tendon autograft reconstructions in terms of long-term knee score or laxity to anterior translation. Semitendinosus graft reconstruction was associated with less donor-site morbidity and hamstring weakness. Meniscectomy was associated with poorer long-term knee scores. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction is associated with a significantly better IKDC knee score and laxity measurement at 2-year follow-up. However, we were unable to demonstrate a significantly better long-term outcome in knee score or laxity to anterior translation with either a patella-tendon autograft or a semitendinosus-tendon autograft.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Tight hamstring syndrome and extra- or intraspinal diseases in childhood: a multicenter study.

Tight hamstrings syndrome (THS) has been attributed to a number of disorders. Most authors argue that tight hamstring syndrome is determined in the majority of cases by a protruding or slipped vertebral disc. The term "disc related tight hamstring syndrome" is usually used to describe the condition. However, tight hamstring syndrome in childhood can also be an initial symptom of a usually severe disease. We reviewed retrospectively 102 children who had presented to our clinics with tight hamstring syndrome in the past 22 years (between 1980 and 2001). To our knowledge, this study includes the largest number of patients with tight hamstring syndrome analysed so far. Seventy four children (73%) suffered from severe underlying diseases. In more than one-third of all THS cases (38 of 102 cases; 37%), we observed intra- or extraspinal tumorous alterations. In 15% of the cases (15 of 102), osteomyelitis or spondylodiscitis was diagnosed. Only in 27% of the cases (28 of 102), disc protrusion, one of the commonly known underlying diagnoses (14 cases), or higher-grade spondylolisthesis/spondyloptosis (14 cases) were the inciters. Our results suggest that tight hamstring syndrome in childhood can be an initial symptom of an associated, usually severe disease. We conclude that therefore further diagnostic evaluation is required when tight hamstring syndrome is observed. A rapid initiation of an adequate primary therapy could be indicated.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Medial hamstring lengthening in the presence of hip flexor tightness in spastic diplegia.

This study evaluated the effects of medial hamstring lengthening on gait in patients with diplegic cerebral palsy. A group of patients who underwent medial hamstring lengthening and distal rectus transfer was compared to a group of patients who underwent intramuscular psoas lengthening as well. Patients who underwent a psoas lengthening showed an increased anterior pelvic tilt and a tendency towards genu recurvatum, features that could indicate postoperative hamstring weakness. These results underline the importance of medial hamstrings for pelvis and knee motion in the sagittal plane during walking. In additional the limitations of the popliteal angle as a clinical measure to evaluate hamstring length in the presence of hip flexor tightness are discussed.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed2004

The effect of a single treatment of the Protonics system on biceps femoris and gluteus medius activation during gait and the lateral step up exercise.

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain, a frequent complaint among women, is attributed in part to excessive femoral internal rotation, leading to patellofemoral malalignment. The Protonics resistive dynamic knee orthosis was designed to facilitate hamstring activation, leading to a less anteriorly tilted pelvis and less femoral internal rotation. This decrease in femoral internal rotation is thought to improve patellofemoral joint alignment, thereby reducing knee pain. In this position, the gluteus medius (GM) would be more effective against the force of gravity. Therefore, this study's purpose was to determine the effects of a single application of the Protonics orthosis on knee pain and biceps femoris (BF) and GM activation. METHODS: 21 females (23.4+/-3.1 years, 1.66+/-0.05 m, 65.3+/-20.4 kg) with a history of chronic PFP participated in the study. Data were collected during level walking and a lateral-step up exercise in three conditions: pre-treatment (PRE), a placebo condition collected after the orthosis was set at zero resistance (PLAC), and post-treatment (POST). PLAC and POST were performed after the orthosis had been removed from the subject's leg. Percent of gait cycle activated, integrated EMG (IEMG), and level of pain (VAS scale) were measured in each condition. An ANOVA was used to determine significance between conditions (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Use of the Protonics orthosis did not result in any change in the level of knee pain, IEMG or duration of activation for the BF or GM. SUMMARY: Our results do not support an increase in hamstring activation or decrease in GM activation following a single treatment with the Protonics orthosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Knee flexion to extension peak torque ratios and low-back injuries in highly active individuals.

The purpose of this study was to investigate for possible relationships between knee flexion to extension peak torque ratios (F1/Ext(rat)) and low-back injuries in highly active males and females. Forty-eight male (age 25.9 +/- 4.5 years) and 41 female (age 27.3 +/- 2.6 years) competitive rowers, and 20 male (age 26.6 +/- 6.0 years) professional ballet dancers volunteered for the study. Each subject performed a test of lumbar and knee flexor flexibility, isokinetic dynamometry and completed a self-administered questionnaire. Flexibility was assessed by using the sit-and-reach test. Knee flexion to extension peak torques were bilaterally monitored at the angular velocities of 1.04 and 4.19 rad x s(-1). The questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding the number of days off action (e.g., training, competition, and rehearsals), due to low-back injuries, for the 12-month period prior to testing. Results revealed significant negative correlation coefficients between knee F1/Ext(rat), obtained at 1.04 rad x s(-1), and days off physical activity for oarsmen (r = - 0.69; p < 0.01), oarswomen (r = -0.62; p < 0.01) and male dancers (r = -0.57; p < 0.05). No such correlations were found for either knee F1/ Ext(rat) obtained at the angular velocity of 4.19 rad x s(-1) or between the sit-and-reach test results and low-back injuries. A sub-group of 22 female rowers was re-tested after a 6-8 month period, during which a special hamstring strength training programme was introduced. The main conclusions were: a) the lower the F1/Ext(rat) the greater the degree of low-back injury, b) at least in female rowers, 6-8 months of hamstring strength training can contribute to a reduction of the incidence of low-back injury, and c) isokinetic assessment of quadriceps and hamstrings obtained at lower compared to higher angular velocities is more prognostic of low back injury.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Flexibility and posture assessment in relation to hamstring injury.

Posture and flexibility were assessed in 34 athletes. Subjects were divided into two groups: (1) a noninjured group that did not have a history of hamstring strain injury within the previous 12 months; (2) an injured group that had a history of hamstring strain within the previous 12 months. Ten postural components were assessed: head erectness; shoulder symmetry; spinal curvature; hip symmetry; foot and ankle alignment; knee hyperextension; upper back roundness; trunk erectness; abdomen protrusion; and lumbar lordosis. Hamstring flexibility was assessed in both legs. Results indicated no difference (P > 0.05) in flexibility between groups (mean(s.d.) of both legs was: noninjured = 77.1(9.3) degrees, injured = 77.8(9.2) degrees. Also no difference (P > 0.05) was observed between the injured limb and the noninjured limb for injured subjects (injured limb = 78.1(11.1) degrees, noninjured limb = 77.5(8.1) degrees. A significant difference (P < 0.01) between groups occurred in low back posture (lumbar lordosis). No other difference occurred in the remaining nine posture components between groups. Intercorrelation coefficients among posture components indicated that at best only 53% of common variance existed between any two components (head and shoulder components: r = 0.73, P < 0.01). All other correlations indicated less than 40% common variance between components. The results of the study indicate that while differences in hamstring flexibility are not evident between injured and noninjured groups poorer low back posture was found in the injured group. Regular monitoring of posture in athletes is recommended.

Athletic Injuries↗