1(MPT- Sports Physiotherapist) Associate Professor, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), School of Physiotherapy, Sangli. Email: prasannastaarc@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 10000-0001-7034-4982
2(Intern) Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), School of Physiotherapy, Sangli. Email: Sanket24bhosale2002@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 20009-0005-8177-4941
3Principal, PhD, MPT Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapist, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), School of Physiotherapy, Sangli. Email: drsnehakatke@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 30000-0003-4388-4232
4(Head of Department Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy) Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), School of Physiotherapy, Sangli. Email: drpratik77p@gmail.com. ORCID ID: 40000-0003-3635-8840
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of hamstring muscle flexibility among long distance runners in Sangli city. And look at the variations by limb dominance age and gender.
Introduction: The hamstring muscle stretch is another essential section of lower limb movement in long distance runners, which is a component of the most appropriate stride mechanics, pelvic stability and injury prevention. A decrease in the extensibility of the hamstring musculotendinous unit can lead to changes in the biomechanics, passively increased stiffness, and predisposition to musculoskeletal trauma. With regards to the monotonous loading scheme that is entailed in long distance running, the hamstring flexibility is an issue that is of great significance in terms of physiotherapy examination.
Scope: This was the study of observation that aimed to determine the flexibility of the hamstring muscle in long-distance runners in Sangli City and to compare the difference according to age, gender, and the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs.
Material and Procedure: The Active Knee Extension (AKE) test was used as the measure of hamstring flexibility where the hip was positioned at 90 degrees flexion and the active knee extension was measured using a goniometer. The data was noted and classified based on the demographics and limb dominance.
Result: The majority of runners showed excellent levels of flexibility, as evidenced by their AKE scores of 160–179 degree. The results were informative on the patterns of flexibilities and also identified the differences on the side-to-side and demographic factors among the runners. The research highlights the clinical significance of regular hamstring flexibility testing and justifies the formation of customized physiotherapy program and preventive measures in the case of long-distance runners.
Conclusion: Long distance runner exhibits good hamstring flexibility with minimal sex or leg dominance. Differences and only in mild age related decline was seen.
Keywords: Hamstring Muscle Flexibility, Active Knee Extension Test, Long-Distance Runners, Dominant and Non-Dominant Limb, Range of Motion, Musculotendinous Extensibility, Observational Study.
How to cite this article: Nikam P, Bhosale SS, Katke S, Phansopkar P. To Study Hamstring Muscle Flexibility in Long-Distance Runners: An Observational Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3): 204-211. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3.26
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None