Hamstring flexibility and its role in leg muscles strength and cervical postural alignment

Title : Hamstring flexibility and its role in leg muscles strength and cervical postural alignment

Abstract:

Hamstring muscle inflexibility might negatively impact the concentric strength of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Additionally, it may contribute to posterior pelvic tilt, which can affect spinal alignment and potentially exacerbate forward head posture. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of hamstring muscle flexibility with the strength of hamstring and quadriceps muscles, and forward head posture. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University, involving 64 healthy male participants. Hamstring flexibility of the dominant and non-dominant legs was assessed using the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET). The concentric strength of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles in the dominant leg was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer.

Forward Head Posture (FHP) was measured by assessing the craniovertebral angle with a goniometer. The hamstring flexibility of the dominant leg, as determined by the AKET, was significantly correlated with the concentric strength of the hamstring (r = -0.398, p = 0.001) and quadriceps muscles (r = -0.416, p < 0.001). A significant correlation was also found between FHP and the AKET of the dominant leg (r = -0.523, p < 0.001) and between FHP and the AKET of the non-dominant leg (r = -0.576, p < 0.001). The findings of this study suggest the importance of hamstring flexibility for generating leg muscle strength and ensuring proper head postural alignment. Future research should focus on developing interventions to improve hamstring flexibility and assess their effects on overall musculoskeletal health.

Keywords: Hamstring flexibility, Muscle strength, Cervical posture, Forward head posture

Biography:

Ramzi Alajam is an Associate Professor and Head of the Physical Therapy Department at Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. He earned his PhD in rehabilitation science from the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States, in March 2020. In July 2013, he received his master’s degree in physical therapy and a post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy in January 2009 from King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. He has been an educator and researcher at Jazan University since 2009. His research interests include improving the quality of life and well-being of individuals with neurological conditions, especially those with stroke and spinal cord injury. He also published several peer-reviewed publications and presented at international conferences.