Evaluating the Prevalence of Hamstrings and Hip Flexors Tightness in Male Transient Low Back Pain Developers During Prolonged Standing

Tightness of the hamstrings and hip flexors are two well-known disorders in people with Low Back Pain (LBP). According to the kinesiopathological model, these two disorders may have occurred before the onset of pain and may be predisposing factors for LBP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the tightness of these two muscles in men who were identified as prone to LBP through the Prolonged Standing Protocol (PSP).

Methods and Materials:

 This study was a descriptive comparative cross-sectional study in which the statistical population included men prone to LBP aged between 18 to 75 years. The criterion for identifying men prone to LBP was reporting at least 10 mm of pain on a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Thomas test was used to assess hip flexors muscles length. Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test was used to assess hamstring length.

The results of this study showed that hamstring tightness rate among men prone to LBP was 63% and hip flexor muscle tightness in this group was 35%. According to these results, hamstring tightness can be considered as a common disorder in men prone to LBP, and its identification as well as its correction in men can be one of the ways to LBP improvement.

Based on these results, it can be explained that hamstring tightness is one of the most common disorders in men prone to LBP, and its identifying and correcting in time, can prevent and improve LBP.