Training-induced changes in anterior pelvic tilt: potential implications for hamstring strain injuries management

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Dynamic anterior pelvic tilt (APT) is associated with hamstring injuries.
• No prior research has investigated training interventions to modify APT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a 6-week multimodal intervention could alter APT during walking gait.
• To assess the intervention's effects on hamstring flexibility and trunk endurance.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind controlled trial involving 35 healthy active males.
• Participants were divided into an intervention group (IG, n=15) and a control group (CG, n=20).
• The IG underwent 18 intervention sessions over 6 weeks, focusing on biomechanical interactions and joint influences.

Main Results:

• The IG showed a significant decrease in APT kinematics during gait (p=0.001).
• Significant improvements were observed in hamstring flexibility (Active Knee Extension Test, p=0.001).
• Trunk endurance significantly increased for flexion, extension, and side bridge tests (p=0.001) in the IG compared to the CG.

Conclusions:

• A 6-week multimodal intervention can effectively reduce dynamic anterior pelvic tilt (APT) during gait.
• The intervention also enhances hamstring flexibility and trunk endurance.
• This approach may serve as a novel preventive strategy for hamstring injuries.