Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Normative H-Test Values in a Cohort of 113 Healthy Soccer and Track-and-Field Athletes at High Risk for Hamstring
Sebastien Latella1, Julen Ferreira1, Lois Broquet1
1Univ Savoie Mont Blanc, Interuniversity Laboratory of Human Movement Science, EA 7424, F-73000 Chambéry, France.
Background:
Hamstring strain injury (HSI) and re-injury are major issues in track and field (T&F) and soccer (SOC). Askling's return-to-sport H-test is reproductible and valid and can be used to objectively measure dynamic flexibility and kinematic outcomes. However, no normative values exist to support its interpretability across disciplines.
Purpose:
To establish normative values for the main H-test kinematic outcomes in healthy competitive track and field and soccer athletes, and to examine the effects of sport discipline and limb dominance on H-test performance.
Study Design:
Cross sectional, descriptive cohort.
Methods:
Competitive T&F and SOC athletes with no recent history of HSI (within the previous six months) performed H-test on both the dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NDOM) limbs. The H-test consists of hip flexion at maximal velocity and amplitude, performed in a supine position. Mean range of motion (ROM), maximal angular velocity (Vmax) and angle at peak velocity expressed in degrees (APV°) and percentage of ROM (APV%) were recorded using frame-by-frame two-dimensional video-based angular analysis. Raw values and symmetry between limbs were reported and compared between disciplines using ANOVA.
Results:
One-hundred-and-thirteen athletes (94 males and 19 females, 20.1years, 176.6cm, 68.6kg, 46 T&F, 67 SOC) were included. H-test values were highly consistent, with 105.1°±10.8 (LSI=101.5%), 342.8°.s-1±49.5 (LSI=102.7%), 60.6°±7.9 (LSI=100.6%) and 57.6%±3.6 for ROM, Vmax, APV° and APV%, respectively. No differences between limb and discipline existed for ROM and Vmax. A small difference (ηp²=0.03) in APV% was observed between T&F and SOC athletes but it was not considered clinically meaningful.
Conclusion:
This is the first study to assess H-test kinematic outcome on a large sample of uninjured HSI at-risk athletes. Clinicians can use these values when interpreting results after hamstring injuries or during pre-season screening, particularly in male athletes. However, caution is warranted, as further studies are needed to confirm the link between H-test performance and injury risk, along with more research involving female populations.
Level Of Evidence:
2C.
