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Int J Sports Med 2017; 38(09): 691-695
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-108998
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Validity and Reliability of a New Device (WIMU®) for Measuring Hamstring Muscle Extensibility

José M. Muyor
1   Laboratory of Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Ergonomics (KIBIOMER), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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accepted after revision 27 March 2017

Publication Date:
13 July 2017 (online)

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Abstract

The aims of the current study were 1) to evaluate the validity of the WIMU® system for measuring hamstring muscle extensibility in the passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test using an inclinometer for the criterion and 2) to determine the test-retest reliability of the WIMU® system to measure hamstring muscle extensibility during the PSLR test. 55 subjects were evaluated on 2 separate occasions. Data from a Unilever inclinometer and WIMU® system were collected simultaneously. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the validity were very high (0.983–1); a very low systematic bias (−0.21°–−0.42°), random error (0.05°–0.04°) and standard error of the estimate (0.43°–0.34°) were observed (left–right leg, respectively) between the 2 devices (inclinometer and the WIMU® system). The R2 between the devices was 0.999 (p<0.001) in both the left and right legs. The test-retest reliability of the WIMU® system was excellent, with ICCs ranging from 0.972–0.995, low coefficients of variation (0.01%), and a low standard error of the estimate (0.19–0.31°). The WIMU® system showed strong concurrent validity and excellent test-retest reliability for the evaluation of hamstring muscle extensibility in the PSLR test.

Key words

flexibility - inclinometer - PSLR test - spine - injury
 

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