INTRODUCTION

Strength is a key modifiable risk factor for hamstring strains with significant differences between injured and non-injured sides in the lengthened position. Ensuring the test-retest reliability of measurement protocols ensures consistent injury prevention, rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the test-retest reliability of hamstring strength protocols in both standardized and lengthened positions among healthy adults.

STUDY DESIGN

Test-retest reliability study.

SETTING

Human Performance Laboratory, Fr. Roque Ruano building, University of Santo Tomas, Espana Manila.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten healthy adults (six males and four females; mean age: 26.5 ± 4.03 years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Absolute and relative peak torque for concentric and eccentric hamstring and quadriceps were measured at 60°/sec, 180°/sec and 240°/sec in the standardized position (hip and knee flexed at 90°). In the lengthened position (hip flexed at 85° and knee at 30°), isometric knee flexion and peak torque for concentric and eccentric hamstring and quadriceps were assessed at 60°/sec and 180°/sec. Strength ratios were calculated for both positions.

RESULTS

Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values demonstrated good to excellent reliability for peak torque measurements, with higher reliability in the standardized position (ICC 0.83-0.94) than in the lengthened position (ICC 0.79-0.96). Conventional and functional ratios varied, with lower ICCs for the right leg in the standardized position (ICC 0.32-0.92) and moderate to good reliability in the lengthened position (ICC 0.63-0.87).

CONCLUSION

Standardized and lengthened positions provide reliable assessments of absolute and relative peak torque for hamstring and quadriceps muscles during concentric and eccentric contractions across all speeds, including conventional and functional strength ratios.

Human ; Rehabilitation

Background and Purpose: Gait is one of the outcome measures used in evaluation in the field of rehabilitation and there is a need for reference data of gait parameters primarily to understand the physiological significance of these parameters, describe their changes in pathologic gait for better understanding of pathophysiology and be able to provide the appropriate therapeutic approach. The purpose of this study was: 1) To derive a reference data of spatiotemporal parameters of gait among Filipinos, which include step time, stride time, stance time, swing time, single limb support time, double limb support time, cadence, speed, step length, stride length, and step width; 2) To determine correlation of age, gender, and anthropometric measures with spatiotemporal parameters, and 3) To determine
gait symmetry.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 374 participants aged 20-69 years (males = 181, females = 193) were included. They were asked to walk in their comfortable speed. Spatiotemporal parameters were obtained using the Vicon motion capture system.

Results: The walking speed, step length, stride length, and step width declined with age. Filipino men demonstrated higher values in all parameters except cadence which is higher in Filipino women. Height and leg length both have positive correlation with all parameters except for cadence. Weight has a positive correlation with all spatiotemporal parameters except for cadence, swing time, single limb support time, and speed. Cadence and stride length were symmetrical between right and left lower extremities.

Conclusion: Spatiotemporal parameters among healthy Filipinos 20-69 years old were presented including their correlations with age, gender, and anthropometric measures. This can serve as a reference for future studies in gait where Filipinos are the participants.

Anthropometric ; Gait Analysis ; Reference Values