Reliability of video-based muscle flexibility measures in adolescent athletes. Issue 4 (27th March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fourchet, F; Buchheit, M; Materne, O; Horobeanu, C; Hudacek, T; Sebo, D; Millet, G P
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 45:Issue 4(2011)
• Page Start: 348
• Page End: 348
• Publication Date: 2011-03-27
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2011.084038.108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Lower limbs muscle flexibility remains a common assessment in sports therapy. Nevertheless no clear consensus exists about the methods for performing reliable measurements. Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability of muscle flexibility measures in adolescent athletes. Design: Randomised test-retest study. Setting: Sports academy physiotherapy laboratory. Participants: Height young athletes (age: 15.1±1.6, body mass: 65.4±26.2 kg, height: 171.7±8.8 cm) training in a national sports centre. Interventions: Flexibility of the main lower limb muscles was assessed, using a standardised force of stretching for each muscle and a video analysis software for measuring the angles. Each participant was tested on both sides by three operators and on two separate occasions, 4 days apart. Final measurements were reported in degrees. Main outcome measurements: Reliability of flexibility measures was assessed by 1) calculating the between-day difference expressed as Cohen's d (90% CI), no substantial difference was considered if Cohen's d<0.2 and the 90% CI included zero, and 2) the typical error of measurement, expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV, 90% CI). Results: Force of stretching (in N), mean angle (SD), mean between-day difference and CV were 78.5, 132.2 (10.1), −0.05 (−0.3;0.2) and 8.3% (7.5;9.3) for quadriceps, 68.7, 70 (11.2), −0.7 (−1.7;0.4) and 3.3% (3.0;3.7) for hamstrings, 39.2, 53.5 (9.4), 0.05 (−0.2;0.3) and 7.2% (6.5–8.0) for adductors, 147.2, 16 (6.3), 0.10 (−0.1;0.3) and 5.7% (5.1;6.3) for gastrocnemius, 147.2, 30.6 (8.9), 0.01 (−0.2;0.2) and 4.5% (4.0;5.0) for soleus, 98.1, 22.7 (5.9), 0.01 (−0.2;0.2) and 2.6% (2.3;2.9) for hip flexors, 49.1, 54.7 (14.5), −0.04 (−0.2;0.2) and 9.6% (8.6;10.8) for hip medial rotator and 49.1, 43.5 (14.9), −0.08 (−0.3;0.1) and 18.2% (16.3;20.5) for hip lateral rotator. Conclusion: The present method for assessing lower limb muscles flexibility has a moderate-to-good level reliability and may integrate prevention programs.