Correlation of hamstrings flexibility with age and gender in subjects having chronic low back pain

Abstract

Aim of the study: Rehabilitation professionals routinely assess Hamstring muscle length (HML) in persons with hamstring muscle injury, spinal cord injury, LBP or anterior knee pain without taking into account age and gender, which may influence the development of hamstrings tightness. So this study is intended to find out the correlation of hamstring flexibility for men and women of different age groups in chronic LBP subjects. This information can be helpful for every physical therapist for examination and treatment of LBP. Methodology: A co-relational study was conducted with convenience sample of 80 participants with age group 20-70 years having chronic LBP. Persons with previous history of knee injury, knee deformity and fractures around knee joint and radiating pain were excluded. Hamstrings tightness was measured by active knee extension test (AKET). Results: Correlation analysis of age and hamstrings flexibility revealed a correlation coefficient r=-0.380, p<0.001; indicating there is statistically significant weak negative correlation between the two variables. Correlation analysis between age and hamstrings tightness for men revealed a correlation coefficient of r=-0.526, p<0.001 indicating a statistically significant moderate negative correlation between the two variables and for females revealed r=-0.219, p=0.174 indicating weak negative correlation between the two variables which was statistically not significant. Conclusion: There was statistically significant moderate to weak negative correlation found between