José María Muyor; Fernando Alacid; Pedro L. Rodríguez-García & Pedro A. López-Miñarro

Summary

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of hamstring extensibility in sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic inclination on young athletes. Methods: A hundred and fifty-two young athletes (mean age: 16.22 ± 0.80 years) were recruited. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures and pelvic inclination were evaluated with a Spinal Mouse system in the sit-and-reach test, toe-touch test and McRae & Wright test. Hamstring muscle extensibility was determined by passive straight leg raise test (PSLR). The sample was divided into three groups with regard to straight leg raise angle (Group A: PSLR < 76, n=49; Group B, PSLR between 76-88, n=45; and Group C, PSLR > 88, n=50). Results. Athletes with lower extensibility presented higher thoracic angle and a more posterior pelvic tilt in the sit-and-reach and toe-touch tests. However, no significant differences were found between groups when maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed was performed (McRae & Wright test). The lumbar curve was not affected by hamstring extensibility in any position. Conclusions: Lower hamstring extensibility is related to increased thoracic curve and more posterior pelvic tilt when maximal trunk flexion with knees extended is performed. Hamstring extensibility has not any influence in sagittal lumbar morphology when trunk flexion is performed.

KEY WORDS: Posture; Sagittal curvatures; Spine; Pelvis; Sports.

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