Correlation of Hamstring Flexibility with Sitting Hours and Physical Activity among Physiotherapy Students

Abstract

Background: The hamstring group is an example of muscles which is commonly found to be shortened. Hamstring tightness is caused by extended or prolonged sitting at work places and educational institutions, inadequate physical activity, genetic predisposition, previous injury to hamstring. Objectives: To assess the hamstring flexibility in college students along with their sitting hours and physical activity. Material & Methods: 150 students of college of physiotherapy were included via convenient sampling in the study. Popliteal angle was measured using active knee extension test (AKE). All students’ sitting hours and physical activity were noted. Results: In this study, mean values of popliteal Angle was higher than 20 degree. There was a significant difference correlation between popliteal angle and sitting hours as well as physical activity (p value <0.05). Conclusion: This study showed tightness of hamstring in college students. There is a significant increase in tightness with more sitting and less physical activity.