Influence of hamstring muscles extensibility on spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in highly trained cyclists

Effects of cycling on the morphology and spinal posture in professional and recreational cyclists: a systematic review

The aim was to know if cycling affects spinal morphology in postures off the bicycle, such as adapting the spinal curvatures on the bicycle depending on the handlebar type and position on the handlebars. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The studies selected met the following criteria: a) the study design was cross-sectional or longitudinal (experimental or cohorts); b) the study evaluated the sagittal morphology of the spine on the bicycle; c) the study included healthy and trained participants without injuries or cyclists reporting low back pain. Fifteen studies reported that a greater pelvic tilt was observed that when the handlebar was in a lower position. Sixteen studies found that lumbar kyphosis was greater when the handlebar grip was lower and farther from the saddle. Twelve studies reported that a tendency towards greater thoracic flexion as the time spent pedalling on the bicycle increased. In conclusion, the practice of cycling produces adaptations in the morphology of the spine of the cyclist compared to non-cyclists, such as an increase in pelvic tilt and a greater capacity for lumbar flexion in trunk flexion positions, and a greater thoracic kyphosis in the standing position.

Immediate effects of lumbar fascia stretching on hamstring flexibility: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The hamstring muscles have a great tendency to decrease their extensibility, a phenomenon that presents a distinct clinical entity called short hamstring syndrome (SHS), in addition to problems with adjacent structures.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of lumbar fascia stretching on the flexibility of the hamstring musculature.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was carried out. Forty-one women between 18 and 39 years old were divided into two groups: the experimental group received a technique of fascial stretching in the lumbar area while the control group participated in a magnetotherapy machine that was turned off. Hamstring flexibility in both lower limbs was measured by the straight leg raising test (SLR) and the passive knee extension test (PKE).

RESULTS

The results showed statistically significant improvements (p< 0.05) in the SLR and the PKE for both groups. There was a large effect size (Cohen's d) for both tests. There was a statistically significant correlation between the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the SLR.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of lumbar fascia stretching might be an effective part of a treatment protocol to increase the flexibility of the hamstring muscle observing an immediate result in healthy participants.

The effect of foot-stretcher position and stroke rate on ergometer rowing kinematics

Rowing ergometers are popular tools for general fitness and competitive crew teams. The effect of the equipment set up on the rowing stroke has received limited attention. This study aimed to determine the effects of altering the foot-stretcher position on rowing kinematics across different stroke rates. Eleven college-level rowers took part in this study. A rowing ergometer was modified to allow the height and angle of the foot-stretcher to be adjusted. Seven foot-stretcher positions were tested, each at rates of 22, 26, and 32 strokes per minute. Sagittal plane kinematic waveforms were compared between conditions for all major joints using statistical parametric mapping, and temporal variables were assessed (p < 0.05). Stroke rate was found to affect kinematic patterns for all joints. The effect of the foot-stretcher position was limited to the ankle and hip. Similarly, the timing of events during the rowing stroke was affected by the stroke rate, but not foot position. These results indicate that while some limited changes to the stroke technique can be caused by altering the foot-stretcher position, the changes were largely compensated for by the rowers and are generally smaller than differences between stroke rates.

Does Cycling Training Reduce Quality of Functional Movement Motor Patterns and Dynamic Postural Control in Adolescent Cyclists? A Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to assess whether cycling training may influence quality of functional movement patterns and dynamic postural control. We also sought to determine if the Functional Movement Screen and Lower Quarter Y-balance tests could be predictive of injury risk among adolescent road cyclists. Twenty-three male road cyclists, aged 15-18 years, were involved in the study. Quality of functional movement patterns was assessed using the Functional Movement Screen test (FMS). Dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Lower Quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). Information on injury occurrence was collected through a retrospective survey. The results showed the highest percentage of scores equalling 0 and 1 (>30% in total) in two FMS component tests: the hurdle step and trunk stability push-up. The results also demonstrated a low injury predictive value of the Functional Movement Screen (cut-off <14/21 composite score) and the Lower Quarter Y-balance test (cut-off <94% composite score and >4 cm reach distance asymmetry) in adolescent road cyclists. The most important information obtained from this study is that youth road cyclists may have functional deficits within the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and the trunk, while neither the FMS nor the YBT-LQ test are not recommended for injury risk screening in cyclists.

The effect of a Hatha Yoga practice on hamstring flexibility

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of a 7-week Hatha yoga intervention on hamstrings flexibility using a digital goniometer. It was hypothesized that hamstring flexibility will increase in a young healthy adult population.

METHODS

Thirty-one college-aged males and females (Mage= 21 ± 2.62) years participated in 110 minutes twice per week for a 7-week progressive yoga intervention. Pre and post-test measurements were taken to determine hamstring flexibility on the right and left leg using a digital goniometer.

RESULTS

A paired samples t-test indicated a significant difference in the pre and post-test on hamstring flexibility (p < .05). Results for the right leg pre-test (t(30) = -6.64, p <0.05, 95% CI (-6.14, -3.25), d = 0.77. p < 0.05 as well as a significant difference in the left pre and post-ROM (t(30) = -6.93, p <0.05, 95% CI (-2.97, -6.79), d = 0.52, p < 0.05 indicated an improvement after the intervention. Average range of motion increase was 4 degrees in both legs.

CONCLUSION

Hamstring flexibility can be improved with a progressive 7-week Hatha yoga session and may be used as a modality to improve flexibility and function in activities of daily living as well and athletic performance.

Anthropometrics, flexibility and training history as determinants for bicycle configuration

Intrinsic factors such as leg length, arm length, flexibility and training history are factors that may be relevant to the optimisation of the individual bicycle configuration process. Bike fitting methods do not always take all these variables into account, and as yet there have been limited studies examining how these variables can affect the cyclist's position on the bicycle. The main aims of this study were to establish how individual anthropometrics, training history and flexibility may influence cyclists' freely chosen bicycle configuration, and to determine the full-body static flexion angles chosen by cyclists on the bicycle.

Fifty well-trained male cyclists were recruited for the study. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to predict the four main configurations of a bicycle (saddle height, saddle setback, handlebar reach and handlebar drop) based on individual anthropometrics, flexibility and training history. Average joint kinematic ranges for the knee (36°±7°) and elbow (19°±8°) joint supported previous recommendations. Hip (77°±5°) and shoulder (112°±7°) joint angles should be determined as true clinical joints.

Trochanteric leg length (p < 0.01), Knee Extension Angle test (p < 0.01) and mSchober test (p = 0.04) were significant predictors for determining saddle height. Hamstring flexibility can be used to predict handlebar drop (p = 0.01).

A cyclist who wishes to adopt a more aerodynamic position with an increased handlebar drop should aim to improve their hamstring flexibility.

Acute and Short-Term Effects of Dry Needling in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Hamstring Tightness: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is one of the common health issues. Hamstring tightness contributes to the development of LBP. This study aimed to investigate the acute and short-term effects of deep dry needling (DN) in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP and hamstring muscle tightness.

METHODS

A single-group pretest-posttest clinical study design was followed. The outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS), passive knee extension (PKE) test, finger-floor distance (FFD) test, and functional rating index (FRI). Patients underwent one session of deep DN of three points on both hamstring muscles, each point for one minute. Patients were assessed before (T0), immediately after (T1), and one week after DN (T2). The FRI was assessed at T0 and T2.

RESULTS

Ten women with a mean age of 21.1 years (SD = 1.6) participated in the study. Significant large effect sizes in VAS pain reduction (d = 1.25) and PKE hamstring tightness were obtained (hamstring: right, d = 0.82; left, d = 0.88) at T2. Medium effect sizes were obtained for FFD (d = 0.45) and FRI (d = 0.72) at T2.

CONCLUSION

A single session of deep DN improved pain and function and increased hamstring flexibility. This pilot study supports the use of DN in patients with LBP and hamstring tightness; however, future research with a rigorous study design of randomized controlled trial is required to confirm the findings. This trial is registered with IRCT20180511039612N1.

Postural Evaluation in Sports and Sedentary Subjects by Rasterstereographic Back Shape Analysis

Posture is defined as the position of the body in space, the aim of which is to maintain balance, both in static and dynamic conditions. Our purpose was to study various postural variables involved in postural adaptations of athletes practicing symmetric and asymmetric sports at professional level. Methods: Patients include sedentary subjects, competitive athletes practicing symmetrical and asymmetrical sports. Postural evaluation of the three different groups was performed using the rasterstereographic-system Formetric-4D. Results: 157 subjects were recruited. From the comparison between subjects playing symmetrical and asymmetrical sports, arises a statistically significant difference on cervical (p = 0.041) and lumbar (p = 0.047) flèche of Stagnara, with higher values for symmetrical athletes’ group. Hemipelvis torsion (p = 0.031) and lumbar flèche (p ≤ 0.001) of Stagnara are higher in symmetrical athletes’ group (sedentary). Hemipelvis torsion, cervical and lumbar flèche resulted to be higher among athletes (sedentary) (p = 0.016, p = 0.003, p = 0.027). Conclusions: In addition to the competitive sports’ medical examination, a screening with rasterstereographic-system Formetric-4D is suggested to all sedentary subjects, without serious skeletal pathologies which want to start athletic activity. Rasterstereographic-system Formetric-4D is also suggested to all athletes practicing sports, with the aim to identify eventual unknown postures, consequent to reiterated repetition of specific movements.

Relationship Between Spinal-Pelvic Sagittal Balance and Pelvic-Femoral Injuries in Professional Soccer Players

Background

Pelvic-femoral injuries are a common problem in football (soccer) players. However, the risk factors for these injuries are unclear. Our knowledge of spinal-pelvic sagittal balance has increased considerably over the past few years, notably as a result of new radiographic techniques such the EOS radiographic imaging system.

Purpose

To investigate the link between spinal-pelvic sagittal balance on EOS imaging and the incidence of pelvic-femoral injuries.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Players in a League 1 professional soccer team were observed for 5 consecutive seasons. All players included in the study underwent EOS radiographic imaging. All acute and microtraumatic injuries to the pelvic-femoral complex were recorded prospectively: hamstrings, psoas, quadriceps, adductors, obturators, and pubic symphysis. We analyzed the relationship between injury incidence and key radiographic parameters involved in pelvic balance.

Results

A total of 61 players were included (mean age, 24.5 years; n = 149 injuries; mean pelvic tilt, 9.08° ± 5.6°). A significant link was observed between the incidence of pelvic-femoral injuries and pelvic tilt (P = .02). A significant link was also observed between the incidence of acute pelvic-femoral injuries and pelvic tilt (P = .05). In both cases, a high pelvic tilt was associated with a low incidence of injuries.

Conclusion

In professional soccer players, a low pelvic tilt was associated with a high incidence of all pelvic-femoral injuries as well as acute pelvic-femoral injuries. These results could lead to new preventive methods for these musculotendinous injuries through physical therapy.

THE ROLE of a BIKE FIT in CYCLISTS with HIP PAIN. A CLINICAL COMMENTARY

Hip pathology is common amongst athletes and the general population. The mechanics of cycling have the potential to exacerbate symptomatic hip pathology and progress articular pathology in patients with morphologic risk factors such as femoroacetabular impingement. A professional fit of the bicycle to the individual which aims to optimize hip joint function can allow patients with hip pathology to exercise in comfort when alternative high impact exercise such as running may not be possible. Conversely improper fit of the bicycle can lead to hip symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals who present with risk factors for hip pain. Accordingly a bike fit can form part of the overall management strategy in a cyclist with hip symptoms. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to discuss hip pathomechanics with respect to cycling, bicycle fitting methodology and the options available to a physical therapist to optimize hip mechanics during the pedaling action.

The Effect of In-Season Traditional and Explosive Resistance Training Programs on Strength, Jump Height, and Speed in Recreational Soccer Players

PURPOSE

Resistance training is often performed in a traditional training style using deliberate relatively longer repetition durations or in an explosive training style using maximal intended velocities and relatively shorter repetition durations. Both improve strength, "power" (impulsivity), and speed. This study compared explosive and traditional training over a 6-week intervention in 30 healthy young adult male recreational soccer players.

METHOD

Full body supervised resistance training was performed 2 times a week using 3 sets of each exercise at 80% of one repetition maximum to momentary failure. Outcomes were Smith machine squat 1 repetition maximum, 10 meter sprint time, and countermovement jump.

RESULTS

Both groups significantly improved all outcomes based on 95% confidence intervals not crossing zero. There were no between-group differences for squat 1 RM (TRAD = 6.3[5.1 to 7.6] kg, EXP = 5.2[3.9 to 6.4] kg) or 10 meter sprint (TRAD = -0.05[-0.07 to -0.04] s, EXP = -0.05[-0.06 to -0.03] s). Explosive group had a significantly greater increase in countermovement jump compared to the traditional group (TRAD = 0.7[0.3 to 1.1] cm, EXP = 1.3[0.9 to 1.7] cm).

CONCLUSION

Both the traditional training and explosive training performed to momentary failure produced significant improvements in strength, speed, and jump performance. Strength gains are similar independent of intended movement speed. However, speed and jump performance changes are marginal with resistance training.

Trunk forward flexion mobility in reference to postural sway in women after delivery: A prospective longitudinal comparison between early pregnancy and 2- and 6-month postpartum follow-ups

BACKGROUND

It has been documented that pregnancy-related increased connective tissue laxity may persist postpartum; however, it is still unclear for how long. This longitudinal study aimed to compare total trunk forward flexion mobility in women between their first trimester of pregnancy and at 2- and 6-month postpartum follow-ups. We also searched for a correlation between women's trunk flexibility and their postural stability in the sagittal plane.

METHODS

Seventeen healthy women participated in the study. Data were collected at their 7-12 weeks gestation appointments and at 6-10 and 25-28 weeks postpartum. At each session, the women performed a finger floor distance test, and data were collected on their waist circumference and BMI. The women's center of foot pressure mean velocity in the anterior-posterior direction was computed from 30-s long quiet-standing trials on a stationary force plate.

FINDINGS

Total trunk forward flexion mobility was significantly higher at 2 and 6 months postpartum compared to that in early pregnancy (P < 0.05). At 6 months postpartum, a moderate negative correlation between finger floor distance test values and their anterior-posterior center of foot pressure mean velocity was observed (r = -0.6, P < 0.05).

INTERPRETATION

Increased total trunk flexibility may be present in women 6 months postpartum. During that period, women with higher trunk flexibility may be more likely to present higher anterior-posterior postural sway velocity in quiet standing.

Effects of Latin style professional dance on the spinal posture and pelvic tilt

BACKGROUND

Systematic repetition postures adopted during trainings could generate alterations in the sagittal spinal curvatures.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes were: 1) to analyse the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in Latin American style dancers; 2) to compare the spinal sagittal mobility and hamstring muscle extensibility between Latin American style dancers and non-dancers; and 3) to evaluate the influence of wearing dance shoes upon the sagittal spine posture in standing.

METHODS

A total of 20 Latin American style professional dancers and 20 non-dancers (control group) were evaluated during standing, relaxed sitting, maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed and extended, lying prone, and maximal trunk extension. Additionally, dancers were analysed while standing barefoot, and wearing heeled-shoes, during forward walking and the paso-doble posture. The hamstring muscle extensibility was evaluated by the active knee extension test.

RESULTS

The spinal morphology in Latin American style professional dancers is characterised by lower thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt in the standing posture as well as a flexible spine, especially in flexion postures, in addition to suitable hamstring muscle extensibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The spinal morphology of Latin American style professional dancers is characterised by lower thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt in the standing posture as well as a flexible spine, especially in flexion postures, and suitable hamstring muscle extensibility.

Acute effects of different dynamic exercises on hamstring strain risk factors

The purpose of the study was to examine the acute effects of different dynamic exercise interventions on hamstring muscle performance. Thirty-six young men with poor hamstring flexibility were randomly assigned to three intervention groups: jogging combined with dynamic open kinetic chain stretching (DS), jogging combined with dynamic closed kinetic chain stretching (lunge with eccentric hamstring windmills, LEC), and jogging only (CON) groups. Hamstring flexibility, muscle stiffness (area under the curve, AUC), joint position sense (JPS), maximal eccentric strength (ECC), and angle of peak torque (APT) were recorded before and immediately after the exercise interventions. The results showed that the hamstring flexibility increased in DS (p < 0.001); muscle stiffness decreased in DS and was lower than jogging (p < 0.001). Moreover, ECC increased in LEC and was higher than jogging and DS (p < 0.001). APT was different among 3 groups (p < 0.001). Decreased accuracy of JPS was found in DS and jogging (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the dynamic closed kinetic chain stretching (LEC) as compared to open kinetic chain stretching (DS) or jogging group, may be an effective technique to enhance muscle performance during the pre-competition warm-up routine.

Relationship Between Body Positioning, Muscle Activity, and Spinal Kinematics in Cyclists With and Without Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review

Context:

Low back pain is reported by more than half of cyclists. The pathomechanics and association of risk factors of lumbar spine overuse injuries in cycling are not clearly understood.

Objective:

To determine whether relationships exist between body positioning, spinal kinematics, and muscle activity in active cyclists with nontraumatic low back pain.

Data Sources:

In August of 2015 and April of 2016, a comprehensive search of the PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, and Scopus databases was performed independently by 5 reviewers.

Study Selection:

Included articles consisted of biomechanical studies examining factors relating to low back pain in cyclists as agreed upon by group consensus.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

Five reviewers appraised by consensus each article using the Downs and Black checklist.

Results:

Eight studies met criteria for this review. There is evidence that cyclists with lower handlebar heights displayed increased lumbosacral flexion angles during cycling. Core muscle activation imbalances, back extensor endurance deficits, and increased lumbar flexion while cycling were found to be present in cyclists with low back pain.

Conclusion:

Spinal and core muscle activation imbalances in a prolonged flexed posture associated with cycling may lead to maladaptive spinal kinematics and increased spinal stresses contributing to overuse low back pain.

Effects of kinesio taping on lumbopelvic-hip complex kinematics during forward bending

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesio taping (KT) on the kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex during forward bending by individuals with reduced hamstring extensibility. [Subjects] Eighteen males with reduced hamstring extensibility were randomly assigned to one of two groups:, the hamstring KT group (n=9), or the sham KT group (n=9). [Methods] The kinematics of the lumbopelvic-hip complex during lumbar forward bending was measured using a motion capture system before and after applying KT. [Results] The angle of lumbar flexion during late lumbar forward bending increased significantly post-KT compared to pre-KT measurements in the hamstring KT group. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that KT does not directly affect an individual’s movement during lumbar forward bending.

[Influence of flexibility and gender on the posture of school children]

Objective:

To evaluate whether flexibility and gender influence students' posture.

Method:

Evaluation of 60 female and male students, aged 5 to 14 years, divided into two groups: normal flexibility (n=21) and reduced flexibility (n=39). Flexibility and posture were assessed by photogrammetry and by the elevation of the lower limbs in extension, considering the leg angle and the postural evaluation. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used for data analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess the joint influence of flexibility and gender on the posture-dependent variables. After verifying an interactive effect between the variables of gender and flexibility, multiple comparisons using the t test were applied.

Results:

Flexibility influenced the symmetry angle of the knee (p<0.05) and anteroposterior body tilt (p<0.05). Gender did not influence postural angles (p>0.05). There was an interactive effect between the variables of gender and flexibility on the knee symmetry angle (p<0.02). Male students with reduced flexibility had greater asymmetry of the knee when compared to the other subgroups.

Conclusion:

Posture was influenced by an isolated effect of the variable of flexibility and by an interactive effect between gender and flexibility.

The Relationship Between Hamstring Muscle Extensibility and Spinal Postures Varies with the Degree of Knee Extension

The aim was to determine the relationship between hamstring muscle extensibility and sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in cyclists while adopting several postures. A total of 75 male cyclists were recruited for this study (34.79 ± 9.46 years). Thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvic tilt were randomly measured using a Spinal Mouse. Hamstring muscle extensibility was determined in both legs by a passive knee extension test. Low relationships were found between hamstring muscle extensibility and spinal parameters (thoracic and lumbar curvature, and pelvic tilt) in standing, slumped sitting, and on the bicycle (r= .19;P> .05). Significant but low relationships were found in maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed (r= .29;P< .05). In addition, in the sit-and-reach test, low and statistically significant relationships were found between hamstring muscle extensibility for thoracic spine (r= –.23;P= .01) and (r= .37;P= .001) for pelvic tilt. In conclusion, hamstring muscle extensibility has a significant relationship in maximal trunk flexion postures with knees flexed and extended, but there are no relationships while standing or on the bicycle postures.

Sagittal spinal morphology in highly trained adolescent tennis players

Sports with a predominance of forward-bending and extension postures have been associated with alterations in the sagittal spinal curvatures and greater risk of spinal injury. Because, the tennis players adopt these postures, the aims of this study were: 1) to describe spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in male and female highly trained adolescent tennis players during relaxed standing posture and with thoracic spine corrected (in prone lying on the floor); and 2) to determine the frequency of thoracic hyperkyphosis and lumbar hypo/hyper lordosis in these postures. Forty adolescent tennis players (24 male and 16 female) aged 13-18 years, participated voluntarily in this study. The Spinal Mouse system was used to measure sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt. The mean values in the relaxed standing posture were 43.83° ± 7.87° (thoracic kyphosis), - 27.58° ± 7.01° (lumbar lordosis), and 13.38° ± 5.57° (pelvic tilt) for male tennis players, respectively; and 36.13° ± 6.69° (thoracic kyphosis), - 32.69° ± 5.06° (lumbar lordosis), 20.94° ± 5.36° (pelvic tilt) for female tennis players (p < 0.05 between genders in all spinal parameters). The male and female tennis players showed a frequency of 62.5% and 93.8% (p = 0.032) for neutral thoracic kyphosis, and 83.3% and 93.8% (p = 0.062) in neutral lumbar lordosis, respectively. In conclusion, due to the high percentage of neutral spinal curvatures in both male and female tennis players, to practice tennis in these levels does not alter sagittal spinal morphology in the relaxed standing posture in adolescent highly trained tennis players. Key PointsThis study evaluated thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt during several postures in young highly trained tennis players.Female tennis players showed statistically significant greater anterior pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis and lower thoracic kyphosis than male tennis players.The high percentage of neutral thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis posture in both groups of young tennis players in relaxed standing might affirm that tennis does not negatively affect sagittal spinal posture at these ages.A specific postural program could be recommended to improve the slumped sitting and maximal trunk flexion in knees extended postures.

Acute effects of hamstring stretching on sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt

The aim of this study was to determine acute effects of hamstring stretching in thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt. Fifty-five adults (29.24 ± 7.41 years) were recruited for this study. Subjects performed a hamstring stretching protocol consisting of four exercises. The session consisted of 3 sets of each exercise and subjects held the position for 20 seconds with a 30-second rest period between sets and exercises. Thoracic and lumbar spinal angles and pelvic tilt were measured with a SpinalMouse in relaxed standing, sit-and-reach test and Macrae & Wright position. Hamstring extensibility was determined by active straight leg raise test and sit-and-reach score. All measures were performed before and immediately after the hamstring stretching protocol. Active straight leg raise angle and sitand-reach score significantly improved immediately after the stretching protocol (p<0.001). Greater anterior pelvic tilt (p<0.001) and lumbar flexion (p<0.05) and a smaller thoracic kyphosis in the sit-and-reach (p<0.001) were found after the stretching protocol. However, stretching produced no significant change on spinal curvatures or pelvic tilt in standing and maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed. In conclusion, static stretching of the hamstring is associated to an immediate change in the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic position when performing trunk flexion with knees extended, so that allowing for greater lumbar flexion and anterior pelvic tilt and lower thoracic kyphosis. Hamstring stretching is recommended prior to sport activities involving trunk flexion with the knees straight.

Evaluation of pelvis slope and flattening on children gymnasts by Biophotogrammetry technique

This work proposes to detect possible affections or abnormalities in pelvic belt region in a group of rhythmic gymnastics due to the need for studies in the field of biomechanics and structural evaluation of human being. The methodology for this study used a tool called Biophotogrammetry. This technique has analyzed, through scanned images, the structural pelvic girdle bone profile of 64 practitioners of rhythmic gymnastics. The results of this study have presented weighted averages of 45.07±9.78° between the right pelvic slope (RPS) and left pelvic slope (LPS) and 91.74±2.50° for flattening of the pelvis (FP). Therefore, it is concluded that the Biophotogrammetry technique provides data related to the gold standard radiography test, used as reference for the pelvic girdle measurements.