Effect of iliopsoas tightness on range of motion, muscular strength and alignment of lumbopelvic region in 11 to 14 years adolescents

Stiffness and restricted ROM affect muscle balance and alignment. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of iliopsoas tightness on hip ROM, muscle strength and alignment of lumbopelvic region in 11-14 years old adolescents.

In this case-control study, 15 adolescents with iliopsoas tightness as experimental group, and 15 healthy adolescents which matched based on age, height, weight, BMI, dominant leg and sport experience participated voluntarily as control group. Universal goniometer (r=0.85-0.95) used for measuring ROM, flexible ruler (r=0.82) for kyphosis and lordosis degree, handheld dynamometer (r=0.98) for muscle strength and digital photos are used for pelvic tilt angle. Data analyzed using Independent t test, Pearson correlation coefficient and d Cohen’s effect size.

There were significant differences between passive and active hip extension ROM, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, iliopsoas strength, gluteus maximus/iliopsoas strength between groups. While, there were no significant differences in results of active and passive hip flexion ROM, kyphosis, and strength of gluteus maximus, rectus femoris and biceps femoris between groups. Also there were no significant correlations between lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt with other variables in this study.

Adolescents with iliopsoas tightness have limited hip extension ROM, greater pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis and weaker iliopsoas strength in comparison to healthy counterparts. Iliopsoas stretching, corrective exercises for hyper lordosis and increased pelvic tilt and iliopsoas strengthening training should be included in football training programs.