Initial reliability and validity of the lift-and-raise hamstring test

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Kinesiology
• Biomechanical Assessment

Background:

• Traditional Sit-and-Reach tests are influenced by variations in limb and trunk lengths.
• A need exists for a more standardized field-based hamstring flexibility assessment.
• The Lift-and-Raise test was developed to mitigate these confounding factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the initial reliability of the prototype Lift-and-Raise hamstring flexibility test.
• To determine the validity of the Lift-and-Raise test by comparing it to a gold-standard instrument.
• To assess hamstring flexibility in a college-aged population.

Main Methods:

• Reliability was assessed using two independent testers on 53 college students.
• Validity was established by comparing the Lift-and-Raise test with the Cybex Testing and Rehabilitation System on 39 students.
• Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to quantify agreement.

Main Results:

• High inter-rater reliability was found for the Lift-and-Raise test (ICC = 0.944).
• Strong correlation was observed between the Lift-and-Raise test and the Cybex system (ICC = 0.891).
• The test demonstrated consistent and accurate hamstring flexibility measurements.

Conclusions:

• The Lift-and-Raise test is a reliable and valid tool for assessing hamstring flexibility.
• This test offers a practical alternative to traditional methods in field settings.
• Further research may explore its application in diverse populations and athletic contexts.