A new measurement approach to hamstring elasticity assessment: Isolated hamstring elasticity test

Yasin Talu, A New Measurement Approach to Hamstring Elasticity Assessment: "Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test", Hasan Kalyoncu University, Institute of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Master's Thesis, Gaziantep 2019. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test (IHET) as a new measurement approach in the evaluation of hamstring flexibility. Among the 105 individuals who accepted to participate in the study voluntarily and who were selected according to the simple probability random sampling method, 75 individuals who were accepted as normal according to Beighton Horan and Joint Mobility Index scores between the ages of 18 and 25 were selected. A total of 75 individuals (35 females (46.6%) and 40 males (53.3%) were included in the study. Individuals were evaluated on the 1st and 3rd days for the validity and reliability of the Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test. In addition, in order to determine the feasibility of the Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test, 31 individuals with limited knee extension according to Active Knee Extension Test were identified, and 8 weeks of stretching exercises for hamstring were given as home program. Within the period of the home program, 4 individuals were excluded from the study due to various reasons and completed the home program with a total of 27 individuals. After demographic information such as age, height and body weight of the individuals, muscle strength and hamstring elasticity tests (Sit and Reach Test, Active Knee Extension Test, Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test) were performed on 1st day. On the 3rd day, the Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test was repeated for the validity reliability protocol. At the end of 8th week, measurements were repeated to determine the feasibility of the Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test. As a result of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between the manual muscle test scores of the girls and boys according to their limitation or limitlessness as a result of Active Knee Extension test (p <0.05). In our study, there was a high positive correlation between 1st and 3rd day measurements of individuals and showed that there was invariance in time dependent measurements. The Test-retest reliability for the isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test was found to be highly reliable (ICC: 0.993). In addition, there was a low positive correlation between Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test and Sit-and-Reach Test (p<0.05). There was no correlation between the Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test and Active Knee Extension Test (p>0.05); therefore, the Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test was found not valid. There was no agreement between the tests. Compared to the time versus time, the Isolated Hamstring Flexible Test, Sit-Length Test and Active Knee Extension Test measurements were significantly decreased in all three tests before and after exercise. (p <0.05). The Isolated Hamstring Elasticity Test is reliable in determining the hamstring flexibility of individuals; however, it was found not valid. The test we developed gives information about the flexibility of the hamstring, and can be recommended as an alternative test. Further studies are needed for normalization. Key Words: Hamstring, Elasticity, Stretching