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The relationship between lower limb flexibility and dynamic postural control
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The relationship between lower limb flexibility and dynamic postural control

Aaron Turner
Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, Vol.25(7), pp.6-15
2017
url
https://www.strengthandconditioning.org/jasc-25-7View
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Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science balance asymmetry flexibility assessment
Dynamic postural control (DPC) describes the ability of an individual to maintain a stable base of support whilst engaging in a functional task. Previous research has indicated that poor DPC and asymmetry in DPC significantly increases the risk of injury during athletic performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower limb flexibility (LLF) and DPC. Eighteen recreationally trained individuals (14 males, 4 females) were assessed using the Thomas test, active knee extension test, and the weight bearing lunge test, to measure the flexibility of their hip flexors, hamstrings, and calf musculature, respectively. DPC was assessed using three directions (anterior, posterior-medial, and posterior-lateral) of the star excursion balance test (SEBT), with all excursion distances normalised for leg length. No significant correlations existed between any of the individual LLF measures and SEBT excursion distances. However, there was a significant correlation between anterior excursion distance asymmetry (2.4±2.3%) and calf flexibility asymmetry (1.4±1.3cm, r = 0.62, r2 = 0.38, p < 0.05). These findings indicated that 1) individuals with greater hip or ankle flexibility did not consistently achieve greater excursion distances on the SEBT; and 2) asymmetry in calf flexibility is significantly related to DPC asymmetry. Based on these findings, coaches may need to consider correcting asymmetry in calf flexibility if there is asymmetry present in DPC.

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