Correlations among flexibility, stiffness, strength and muscle ultrasound parameters in older males afflicted with hamstrings tightness

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies 2024-10, Vol.40, p.2011-2016
• Main Authors: Srijunto, Wirasinee, Namsawang, Juntip, Chaovalit, Sirawee, Mickevicius, Mantas, Muanjai, Pornpimol
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Fascicle length; Hamstring flexibility; Hamstring Muscles - diagnostic imaging; Hamstring Muscles - physiology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; MTU mechanical property; Muscle Strength - physiology; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Strength; Ultrasonography - methods
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.10.033

Age-induced inflexibility may lead to significant mobility impairments and declines in well-being. However, the relationship between the structural and mechanical properties of soft tissue and joint extensibility remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between flexibility, muscle tendon unit (MTU) stiffness, muscle ultrasound characteristics, muscle strength, and hamstring flexibility prediction in older males with hamstring inflexibility. A hundred retired old males (mean age: 67.2 ± 4.9 years) participated in this investigation. Muscle ultrasound, flexibility, MTU stiffness, and knee flexors strength were measured in a single visit. The results revealed a modest correlation between straight leg raise (SLR) and biceps femoris fascicle length (FL) elongation (r = 0.222), MTU stiffness (r = -0.401), and eccentric strength (r = 0.219) (all p