Relationship between a Modified Thomas Test and Leg Range of Motion in Australian-Rules Football Kicking

Abstract

Context: Flexibility tests are sometimes thought to be related to range of motion in dynamic activities, but such a relationship remains to be determined. Objective: To determine the correlation between flexibility and hip and knee angles in Australian football kicking. Design: Correlation. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: 16 Australian Rules football players. Main Outcome Measures: Hip and knee angles of the preferred kicking leg in a relaxed position were determined with a modified Thomas test. Maximum hip extension, the knee-flexion angle in this position, the maximum knee-flexion angle, and the hip angle at this position during the swing phase of maximum-effort drop-punt kicks were determined. Results: Significant correlations were found between hip flexibility and maximum hip extension (r =.65, P < .01) and hip angle at the maximum knee-flexion angle (r = .70, P < .01). Conclusions: The data indicate a moderate association between hip flexibility and hip angles during kicking.