• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.51-60
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate hamstring length during static uprighting position using weight distribution ratio. Methods: Ninety-six volunteers(56 males) were participated. The active knee extension test(AKE) was measured 3 times on both legs. The mean score of AKE was obtained. Then, the measurement of weight distribution ratio was observed 3 times on both legs, and its mean value was also calculated. Subjects were divided four groups based on their hamstring length measurement; both hamstring shortening group, left hamstring shortening group, right hamstring shortening group and normal hamstring length group. One-way ANOVA was employed to analyse collected data. Pearson's correlation was also hired to see any relationship between the hamstring length and the weight distribution. Results: In anterior/left area and posterior/right area, both hamstring shortening group left hamstring shortening group were superior to right hamstring shortening group and normal hamstring length group. Significant difference was existed statistically(p<.05) between groups. The correlation analysis between hamstring length and weight distribution ratio has not been shown any significant findings(Pant/post=0.733, Plt/rt=0.135). Conclusion: The results of the study may be applied to therapeutic management in posture and movement skill in musculoskeletal physical therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.45-54
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was effect of hamstring length on one leg stance test(OLST) in 108 persons. (men 28, women 80). The active knee extension test(AKE) was applied 3 times on both leg and high score was selected. Then, one leg stance test(OLST) was applied 3 times on both leg and high score was selected. Also, persons divided two group that is normal hamstring length group and shortening group). The result were as follows : 1. The correlation analysis between Lt. hamstring length and one leg stance time was no significant relation($p_{Lt.}=0.271$, $p_{Rt.}=0.051$). 2. The correlation analysis between Rt. hamstring length and one leg stance time was no significant relation($p_{Lt.}=0.837$, $p_{Rt.}=0.334$). 3. The independent T -test between Lt. hamstring normal (knee extension > 150degrees) & shortening group (knee extension ${\leq}$ 150 degrees) in Lt. leg stance time was no significant difference(p=0.73), but in Rt. leg stance time was statistically significant difference(p=0.04). 4. The independent T-test between Rt. hamstring normal (knee extension > 150degrees) & shortening group (knee extension ${\leq}$ 150 degrees) in one leg stance time was no significant difference($p_{Lt.}=0.09$, $p_{Rt.}=0.16$).

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.21-28
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• 2022

Background: Hamstring shortness results in the inappropriate activation of the quadriceps femoris because of the loss of the reciprocal inhibition mechanism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of that activation during lunge exercises on the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, medial, and lateral hamstrings in participants with hamstring shortness and normal length. Design: Quasi-experimental design Methods: Participants were divided into a hamstring shortness group(n=20) and a hamstring normal length group(n=23), based on a hamstring length test. During lunge exercises, muscle activation of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, medial, and lateral hamstrings were measured by electromyography. Results: Each muscle tested was less activated in the hamstring shortness group than in the hamstring normal length group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>.05). Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference between the shortness and normal hamstring groups during short lunge exercise time, longer exercising periods will result in the inappropriate activation of the quadriceps femoris. During lunge exercise, hamstring shortness causes an imbalance activation of quadriceps femoris and hamstring, and continuous hamstring shortness can cause damage on joints of lower limb.

• 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 Physical Therapy Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2019

Background: The purpose of present study was to examine the effect of ultrasound therapy and static stretching on hamstring length and balance. Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: A total of 30 adults in S college, Seongnam city, Gyeonggi-do, between the ages of 20-30 were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n=15) had ultrasound therapy, called US group. Group 2 (n=15) had static stretching, called SS group. Measurements were taken prior to starting the program and after completing the experiment using Finger to floor test and Active knee extension test to get the results of hamstring flexibility and the ability of static balance. Paired t-test was used to compare each group pre-test values to post-test values and to compare US post-test values to SS post-test values on PASW 18.0. Results: 1) Both hamstring SS group and US group had significant increase (p<.05) in Finger to floor test and Active knee extension test. 2) Dominant leg standing had significant change (p<.05) only in US group. 3) There was no significant difference between US group and SS group. Conclusion: Results showed that US group and SS group had an effect on changes in hamstring length (p<.05). However, they did not show a significant increase in static balance. Further effective studies on hamstring SS group and US group were needed based on this examination.

• 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.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.1-10
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• 2017

Background: Flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) was a term which refers to a sudden onset of myoelectric silence in the erector spinae muscles of the back during standing full forward flexion. Hamstring muscle length may be related to specific pelvic and trunk movements. Many studies have been done on the FRP of the erector spinae muscles. However, no studies have yet investigated the influence of hamstring muscle flexibility on the FRP of the hamstring muscle and lumbopelvic kinematics during forward bending. Objects: The purpose of this study was to examine the flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) of the hamstring muscles and lumbopelvic kinematics and compare them during forward bending in subjects with different hamstring muscle flexibility. Methods: The subjects of two different groups were recruited using the active knee extension test. Group 1-consisted of 13 subjects who had a popliteal angle under $30^{\circ}$; Group 2-consisted of 13 subjects who had a popliteal angel above $50^{\circ}$. The kinematic parameters during the trunk bending task were recorded using a motion analysis system and the FRRs of the hamstring muscles were calculated. Differences between the groups were identified with an independent t-test. Results: The subjects with greater hamstring length had significantly less lumbar spine flexion movement and more pelvic flexion movement. The subjects with greater pelvic flexion movement had a higher rate of flexion relaxation during full trunk bending (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that differences in hamstring muscle flexibility might cause changes in people's hamstring muscle activity and lumbopelvic kinematics.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.69-77
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to estimate how much the motility of affected and unaffected lower limb respectively would have effects on their ambulation through comparing the difference between their affected and unaffected lower limb and studying the correlation between such difference and their ambulation. In addition, the study also intends to find out remedial measures suitable for improving their ambulation with relevant physical treatment. To do this, a quantitative electromyogram(QEMG) test was done to hamstring of affected and unaffected lower limb so as to yield IP values. Based on such IP values, RMS(root mean square) values as the total sum of IP values were found with QEMG analysis system (made by Medelec Co.) and then the ambulation depending on the difference in muscular strength were analyzed by ink-foot print method as well as the corresponding statistics were processed by T-test through SPSS. The differences in muscular strength of hamstring in unaffected limbs of hemiplegic patients only affect stride length. It was statistically significant. The effect of difference in muscular strength of the hamstring in affected limb of hemiplegic patients on their ambulation was very different between strong and weak group in terms of walking velocity, step per minute, stride and step length, showing statistically significant difference(p<.05). Although there was a difference in the step length of the affected limb, it was not statistically significant(p>.05). For the unaffected hamstring, there were significant differences of stride length between in unaffected limb and in affected limb. For the affected hamstring, there were also significant differences in walking velocity, step per minute, stride and step length. Besides, it was found that the difference of the muscular strength between strong and weak group was at the highest.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.39-51
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• 1999

Background and Purpose. Objective measurements of hamstring muscle length are needed to quantify baseline limitations and to document the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Several indirect clinical tests for measuring hamstring muscle length are available, but influence of their test procedure is not well documented. The purpose of this study were 1) to describe hamstring muscle length as reflected by use of six tests(active straight leg raising(ASLR), passive straight leg raising(PSLR), passive straight leg raising with the lower back flat(PSLRB), active knee extension(AKE), passive knee extension(PKE), hip joint angle(HJA). 2) to examine the correlation among the tests. Subjects, Sixty subjects(30 men. 30 women) ranging in age from 18 to 25 years(mean 20.2 years) and with no limitation hamstring flexibility and no neurological and orthopedical problems. Methods. All subjects performed six tests. A inclinometer was used to determine the end point of range of motion. HJA was measured using an inclinometer placed over the sacrum. PSLRB were tested PSLR with the low back flat and the opposite thigh slightly flexed and support on pillows. Results, A mean ASLR value of 85.9 degrees, PSLR value of 99.9 degrees, PSLRB value of 109.8 degrees, AKE value of 77.2 degrees PKE value of 83.1 degrees and HJA value of 73.0 degrees were obtained for all subjects. A dependent t-test showed significant difference between the angles of ASLR and PSLR(p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the angles of PSLR and PSLRB(p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the angles of AKE and PKE(p<0.001). The highest correlation was between PSLR and PSLRB(r=0.915, p<0.001). All SLR tests were significants related(p<0.001), as well as AKE and PKE(p<0.001). The lowest correlation was between PKE and HJA(r=0.171. p>0.05). Conclusion and Discussion. The results indicated that the hip flexion angles for ASLR, PSLR and PSLRB were a difference, and the knee extension angles for AKE and PKE were a difference.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.49-55
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate influence of contract-relax exercise on functional leg length inequality (FLLI) and muscle activity. Methods: The subjects were consisted of 40 healthy adults who had FLLI of which degree was at least 10mm. All subjects were randomly assigned to two groups : Contract-Relax Exercise (CRE) group (n=20), control group (n=20). The experimental group underwent CRE for 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Myosystem 1200 was used to measure the activity of rectus femoris and hamstring muscle. The tape measure method was used to measure FLLI. Statistical analysis was used repeated ANOVA know comparison of period, independent T-est know comparison of experiment group and control group. Results: All measurements for each subject took the following test : pre-test, post-test in 2 weeks, post-test in 4 weeks. The FLLI of the experimental group was significantly reduced according to within intervention period (p<0.05). Rectus femoris and hamstring muscle activity of the experimental group was significantly increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: The CRE can reduce FLLI and increase rectus femoris and hamstring muscle activity. Various contract-relax exercise for reduced of FLLI and the methods should be customized for the patients.