Agreement Between Face-to-Face and Free Software Video Analysis for Assessing Hamstring Flexibility in Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Reduced hamstring flexibility is prevalent in adolescents, affecting movement efficiency and potentially leading to musculoskeletal issues.
• Accurate hamstring flexibility assessment is crucial for monitoring adolescent physical development and preventing injuries.
• Traditional methods like the sit-and-reach test, hip joint angle (HJA), and active knee extension are common but may require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the agreement between traditional hamstring flexibility measurements and assessments using free video analysis software in adolescents.
• To determine the reliability of using Kinovea software for measuring hamstring flexibility (hip joint angle and active knee extension).
• To explore the potential of accessible video analysis tools for adolescent flexibility monitoring.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study with a crossover design involving 54 adolescents.
• Simultaneous measurement of active knee extension and hip joint angle using an inclinometer and video camera.
• Analysis of recorded videos using Kinovea 0.8.15, a free movement analysis software.

Main Results:

• All measured outcomes demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha (α) exceeding 0.90.
• Hip joint angle measurement showed the lowest reliability at α = 0.91, while other measures were comparably high.
• Preliminary findings indicate strong agreement between video analysis and traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• Free video analysis software, such as Kinovea, provides a reliable and valid method for assessing hamstring flexibility in adolescents.
• This approach offers a practical and accessible tool for health professionals to monitor adolescent flexibility.
• Utilizing video analysis can enhance the follow-up of hamstring flexibility in young populations.