Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch tests (TT) as measures of hamstring muscle extensibility in athletes and to compare the thoracic, lumbar and pelvic postures between both tests. Methods. A hundred and twenty-five males (mean age: 22.89±3.22 years) and 118 females (mean age: 23.21±4.54 years) were asked to execute three trials of passive straight leg raise test (SLR) (right and left leg), SR and TT in a randomized order. Thoracic and lumbar angles were measured while relaxed standing with a Unilevel inclinometer. Also, thoracic and lumbar angles, pelvic tilt (measured with the inclinometer) and score (measured with a SR box) were assessed when subjects reached forward maximally in both SR and TT tests. Results. The correlation values between score and SLR were low to moderate in males (SR: 0.56-0.59; TT: 0.57-0.62) and moderate in females (SR: 0.72-0.74; TT: 0.72-0.75). Correlation values between SLR with respect to score, thoracic, lumbar and pelvic postures were similar between SR and TT tests. Thoracic angle and score were significantly lower in the TT test for both genders (P<0.001). Lumbar angle was significantly higher in the TT test for males (P<0.001) but not for females. Conclusion. The criterion-related validity between both tests appears to be similar, although the females showed higher r-values than males. The TT test is a valid test for measuring hamstring muscle length in athletes. Thoracic angle, pelvic posture and score are influenced by position of the test (stand or sit) in both men and women. Verf.-Referat