ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS WITH HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS: A DESCRIPTION CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Background: Hamstring flexibility plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal musculoskeletal function, particularly in active and sedentary populations. Tightness in the hamstring muscle group can significantly reduce joint mobility, impair physical performance, and predispose individuals to a range of postural and mechanical dysfunctions. In young adults, such impairments often remain unnoticed until functional limitations arise, emphasizing the importance of early identification and performance assessment. Objective: To evaluate the impact of hamstring tightness on physical performance in young adults using gait speed and the 30-second sit-to-stand test. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 2022 and June 2023 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of 384 participants aged 18–25 years were recruited using non-probability purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria required a minimum 15° reduction in active knee extension with the hip in 90° flexion. Exclusion criteria included any recent (within 2 months) surgery of the lower back or limbs, history of hamstring injury within the past 2 years, or underlying neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiovascular conditions. Data collection involved a self-structured questionnaire, the Active Knee Extension Test (AKET), and physical performance assessments via the 4-meter Gait Speed and 30-Second Sit-to-Stand tests. SPSS version 21 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among 384 participants, 290 (75.5%) met the criteria for hamstring tightness (AKET-positive). The sample had an equal gender distribution (145 males, 145 females) with a mean age of 20.84 ± 1.77 years. Of these, 259 (89.3%) showed bilateral hamstring tightness. Gait speed analysis showed that 222 (76.5%) had high functioning gait (>1.1 m/s), 53 (18.3%) had mean gait (0.7–1.1 m/s), and 15 (5.2%) exhibited low gait speed (<0.7 m/s). Sit-to-stand results revealed 19 (6.5%) with great performance (≥19 reps), 241 (83.1%) with average performance (10–18 reps), and 30 (10.3%) with poor performance (<9 reps). Conclusion: Hamstring tightness among young adults showed minimal influence on gait speed but demonstrated a moderate impact on lower limb function and endurance during repetitive movements such as the 30-second sit-to-stand test, highlighting the need for early screening and preventive flexibility interventions.