• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2016

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of flexibility and foot pressure on stretching exercise of hamstring muscle with and without pelvis neutral position. Methods : This study was performed on 30 subjects. Thirty subjects were divided into two group; hamstring passive stretching exercise with pelvis neutral position(n=15), hamstring passive stretching exercise without pelvis neutral position(n=15). Both of the group performed the exercise 4 times a week for 6 weeks. The data was analyzed by the paired t-test for comparing before and after changes of factors in each group and the independent t-test for comparing the between groups. Results : The results were as follows. There was statistically significant difference of before and after hamstring flexibility, foot pressure in pelvis neutral position(p<0.05). There was statistically significant difference of before and after hamstring flexibility, foot pressure without pelvis neutral position group(p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference of between the two group in hamstring flexibility, foot pressure(p>0.05). Conclusion : As a result of this study, though no statistically significant difference of the between groups, we suggest that stretching exercise of hamstring muscle with pelvic neutral may be effective more than stretching exercise of hamstring muscle without pelvic neutral in flexibility, foot pressure.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.45-52
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• 2017

Purpose : Most of the moderns have been spent sedentary life style in front of desk or on the chairs, so that their hamstring muscles are shorted commonly and the shortness of hamstring muscles are caused to some problems in functional activities. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of thermotherapy with hot-pack and ultrasound on the tightness of hamstring muscles in individuals with hamstring tightness. Method : Twenty-eight persons with hamstring tightness participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to three exercise groups: stretching group(n=10), hot-pack group(n=9), and ultrasound group(n=9). Before experiment, this study measured the angle of hip flexion using a inclinometer in all participants. Stretching group conducted actively stretching on their shorted leg for 30 seconds, 3 times, and rest for 10 seconds between each exercises. Hot-pack group have applied hot-pack($70{\sim}75^{\circ}C$) on shorted hamstring muscles for 20 minutes before stretching exercise. Ultrasound group have applied therapeutic ultrasound(1 MHz and 1.5W/cm2) on shorted hamstring muscles for 10 minutes before stretching exercise. All data was analysed using one-way repeated ANOVA. Result : The results revealed that ultrasound therapy before stretching is more effective to the flexibility on hamstring muscles than hot-pack before stretching and stretching only. Conclusion : The results of this study show that thermotherapy with therapeutic ultrasound will be effective on the shortness of hamstring muscles before stretching exercise.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.171-177
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• 2020

Background: The flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) refers to a sudden onset of activity in the erector spinae muscles that recedes or fades during full forward flexion of the trunk. Lumbar spine and hip flexion are associated with many daily physical activities that also impact trunk flexion. Shorter hamstring muscles result in a reduction of pelvic mobility that eventually culminates in low back pain (LBP). Many studies have explored the FRP in relation to LBP. However, few studies have investigated the influence of hamstring muscle length on the FRP in relation to the erector spinae muscles during trunk flexion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the influence of hamstring muscle length on the FRP in relation to the erector spinae muscles during trunk flexion. Methods: Thirty subjects were divided into three groups according to hamstring length measured through an active knee extension test. The 30 participants consisted of 10 subjects who had a popliteal angle of 20° or less (Group 1), 10 subjects who had a popliteal angle of 21°-39° (Group 2), and 10 subjects who had a popliteal angle of 40° or more (Group 3). A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the difference in muscle activity of the erector spinae muscles during trunk flexion. Results: The subjects with a shorter hamstring length had significantly higher muscle activity in their erector spinae muscles during trunk flexion and full trunk flexion (p < 0.05). The subjects with a shorter hamstring length also had a significantly higher flexion-relaxation ratio (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that differences in hamstring muscle length can influence the FRP in relation to the erector spinae muscles. This finding suggests that the shortening of the hamstring might be associated with LBP.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.56-59
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• 2004

The hamstring tendons are popular for autografts in a variety of reconstructive procedures. The hamstring autografts are used widely for its potential advantages over the patella bone-tendon-bone(BTB) autograft, including lower graft site morbidity and easier harvesting technique. However, the use of hamstrings has potential disadvantages such as the damage of infrapatellar branches of the saphenous nerve, premature tendon amputation, and tendon split following inadequate hamstring identifications. In our studies, we used modified technique for harvesting the hamstring to decrease potential disadvantages. Reflected hamstring flap method seems to be easy and safe in avoiding nerve damage and tendon splitting. We recommend the reflected hamstring flap method for harvesting hamstring tendons.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.375-382
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the muscle contraction onset time characteristics of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles at different knee flexion angles in individuals with shortened or over-lengthened hamstrings performing prone hip extension. Methods: Twenty-six participants were divided into a hamstring shortened group (n = 12) and hamstring lengthened group (n = 14). Wireless surface electromyography was used to verify the muscle onset time of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris when performing prone hip extension at different knee flexion angles. Results: There were significant differences in the muscle onset times of the semitendinosus and biceps femoris between the hamstring shortened group and hamstring lengthened group (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the muscle contraction onset times among of the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles when performing prone hip extension at a knee flexion of 90° in the hamstring shortened group (p < 0.05) and a knee flexion angle of 0° in the hamstring lengthened group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In all groups, there was no effect on the onset time of the gluteus maximus muscle according based on the knee angle. In addition, the knee flexion angles affected the onset time of the muscle contraction of the gluteus maximus muscle in the hamstring shortened group and hamstring lengthened group with an abnormal length of the hamstring muscle.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.433-441
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• 2013

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of three PNF stretching techniques for improving hamstring flexibility and to compare the effectiveness of three PNF stretching techniques(direct and indirect and mix(direct&indirect) of hold-relax technique). METHODS: The subjects were randomly assigned into three groups: group1-direct-hold-relax technique(n=10); group2-indirect-hold-relax technique(n=8); group3-mix(direct&indirect)-hold-relax technique(n=10). For each group, stretch was performed three times a week for a period of three weeks. Hamstring flexibility for each group was measured using the ASLR and PSLR. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvement in hamstring flexibility for all subjects of three groups. However, were not significantly different between the three groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, three PNF stretching techniques are confirmed to be useful for improving hamstring flexibility. The choice for a qualified technique has to be made individually according to patient and therapist.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.1461-1467
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether static stretching or Thera-band stretching of hamstrings is more effective in improving the flexibility of hamstrings. A total of 40 participants performed stretching 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and a sitting trunk flexion meter was used to measure the flexibility of the hamstrings. Differences in hamstring flexibility before and after the application of static and Thera-band stretching were analyzed, and differences between the stretching methods were also analyzed. As a result, hamstring flexibility increased significantly after the static stretching program (p=.000), and also increased significantly after the Thera-band stretching program (p=.000). Although both programs were effective in improving hamstring flexibility, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=.058). Therefore, static stretching and Thera-band stretching are effective interventions to improve and maintain hamstring flexibility.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.609-617
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• 2013

PURPOSE: This study aims to provide effects of therapeutic techniques as well as basic materials of safety by comparing and analyzing the effects of hamstring flexibility and dynamic stability of lower lumbar according to Stretching and Massage Techniques to adults with reduced the flexibility of hamstring. METHODS: This study conducted differential diagnosis through sit and reach test(SRT) and Schober test to select subjects who have shortened hamstring without any spinal problem. Selected subjects were divided into two groups randomly; HSG(Hamstring Stretching Group, n=8) and HMG(Hamstring Massage Group, n=8) and they received treatment for 2 weeks. To take statistics, SRT and dynamic view using x-ray were used. RESULTS: On SRT, HSG and HMG showed significant difference between pre and post test. A comparison of the difference value between HSG and HMG, HSG($9.73{\pm}1.78$) has more remarkable outcome than HMG($2.78{\pm}0.56$). Lower lumbar intervertebral disc length test for Intervertebral disc length(IDL)L45 and IDLL5S1 did not show significant differences between two groups and difference value. CONCLUSION: This study showed that stretching is more effective to improve hamstring flexibility than massage technique. Especially, flexibility increase of the hamstring in vertebral stabilization cannot affect improvement possibility will make a flexibility in order and the intervention and stabilization exercise of the spine.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.441-450
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• 2019

Purpose: This study identified the co-activation of quadriceps and hamstring muscles during hamstring strengthening exercises in healthy adults. Methods: Twenty-one participants were required for the present study design to achieve 80% power, 0.8 effect size (η2), and an alpha level of 0.05. Thus, this study recruited 21 healthy adults. All participants performed Nordic exercises, bridge exercises, and one-leg deadlifts randomly. The activity of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (SM) were measured. In addition, the ratios of VM/VL and hamstring/quadriceps (HQ) were measured during the three hamstring strengthening exercises using electromyography. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the co-activation of quadriceps and hamstring muscles in the three exercises. Results: The activity of VM and VL during the performance of one-leg deadlifts was significantly higher than the other two exercises. The BF had significantly higher activity during the Nordic exercises compared to the other two exercises. In addition, the SM activation was significantly greater during Nordic exercises than one-leg deadlifts. Additionally, there was significant difference in HQ ratio among hamstring strengthening exercises. In specific, the one-leg deadlifts yielded a significantly lower HQ ratio. Conclusion: This study revealed that one-leg deadlifts are effective in rehabilitation for anterior cruciate ligament injury. In addition, Nordic exercises can be recommended to facilitate hamstring muscle activation.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.75-81
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various relaxation techniques on various dysfunction problems caused by shortening of the sagittal muscles. Method: The subjects were 44(18 males, 26 females). The subjects were composed of 3 groups. The experimental group consisted of 14 patients with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF) technique, control group A 15 patients with self myofacial release (SMR) ball exercise, and control group B with 15 patients with Sling exercise. After 3 weeks of relaxation on the hamstring muscle, the length of the hamstring muscle before and after the intervention was compared. Results: The results of relaxation exercise of the snake muscles applied to passive PNF group, SMR ball group, and Sling relaxation group are as follows. 1. In the passive PNF group, the muscle length of the hamstring muscle was significantly increased after the intervention. 2. The muscle length of the hamstring muscle was significantly increased after the intervention in the SMR ball group. 3. Sling relaxation group significantly increased the muscle length of the hamstring muscle after sling exercise intervention. 4. Passive PNF group showed the greatest change in muscle length before and after intervention than SMR ball group and Sling relaxation group. Conclusion: Passive PNF relaxation therapy, SMR ball relaxation therapy, and Sling relaxation therapy applied to the hamstring muscle were effective in increasing muscle length of the hamstring muscle. PNF relaxation therapy showed the most significant effect after 3 weeks intervention.