Abstract

Studies have shown that the modified back-saver sit-and-reach test is the best protocol for hamstring flexibility assessment in adolescents. Although, the MBS incorporated the advantages of other protocols, it does not consider limb length differences. This study was designed to examine the role of limb length on MBS score and to determine the need for normalization. 210 healthy boys, ages 12-18 years, performed 3 trials of the MBS test on the right and left sides. All anthropometric characteristics were measured prior to MBS test. A significant correlation(p<.05) was found between MBS and anthropometrical characteristics. Among them, Arm span has strongest correlation with MBS and explained the greatest of shared variance of the MBS test. Thus, Normalization was performed by dividing each MBS test by a participant’s arm span. Using raw score, there were significant differences between height, BMI, Arm length, Leg length and Trunk length groups in both of the right and left MBS(p≤.05), however, No significant differences between these groups were found in MBS after normalization. In conclusion, when using the MBS test for experimental or clinical purposes, flexibility score should be normalized to arm span to allow for a more accurate comparison of performance among young boys. Verf.-Referat