Diurnal variation of hamstring and lumbar flexibility

Area of Science:

• Kinesiology
• Sports Science
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Flexibility is crucial for physical performance and injury prevention.
• Previous research has not fully explored diurnal variations in hamstring and lumbar flexibility.
• Gender-specific differences in flexibility are well-documented but require further investigation regarding temporal patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diurnal variation of hamstring and lumbar flexibility.
• To compare flexibility differences between men and women over a 12-hour period.
• To determine the implications of these variations for flexibility assessment and training.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-seven healthy college students (31 men, 36 women) participated.
• Hamstring and lumbar flexibility were measured every 2 hours for 12 hours, starting from waking.
• Active knee extension and modified-modified Schober tests were used to assess hamstring and lumbar flexibility, respectively.

Main Results:

• Both hamstring and lumbar flexibility were lowest at waking (baseline).
• Hamstring flexibility peaked at 12 hours, while lumbar flexibility peaked at 10 hours.
• Women demonstrated significantly greater hamstring flexibility, whereas men showed significantly greater lumbar flexibility at all time points.

Conclusions:

• Diurnal variations in hamstring and lumbar flexibility exist and follow distinct temporal patterns.
• Significant gender differences in hamstring and lumbar flexibility are present throughout the day.
• Flexibility testing, training protocols, and research designs should account for diurnal rhythms and sex-based variations.