The Single Leg Bridge Test Does Not Measure Isolated Hamstring Endurance in Healthy Men

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology
• Musculoskeletal Function Assessment

Background:

• The Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) is often cited as a measure of hamstring endurance.
• However, its validity in assessing isolated hamstring endurance is not well-established.
• This uncertainty highlights a gap in understanding the functional assessment of hamstring muscles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the correlation between Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) scores and isolated hamstring endurance in healthy men.
• To evaluate the relationship between the limb symmetry index from the SLBT and hamstring endurance test results.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 40 healthy, physically active men.
• Participants underwent the SLBT and an isokinetic hamstring endurance test (30 repetitions at 120°/s).
• Correlation analyses were performed between SLBT scores, limb symmetry indices, and isokinetic peak torque and work outcomes.

Main Results:

• No significant correlation was found between SLBT scores and isolated hamstring endurance (peak torque or work).
• The limb symmetry index from the SLBT also showed no significant correlation with the hamstring endurance test indices.
• Statistical analysis (p-values and correlation coefficients) supported these non-significant findings.

Conclusions:

• The Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) is not a suitable measure for assessing isolated hamstring endurance in healthy men.
• Current evidence suggests the SLBT may not accurately reflect the functional capacity of the hamstring muscles in isolation.
• Further research may be needed to identify reliable functional tests for hamstring endurance.