BACKGROUND: The contribution of posterior tilt of the pelvis (pelvic rotation) to hip flexion has been described for individuals who are standing, supine, and suspended. The effects of intrinsic and imposed hamstring length on the motion have not been investigated in a controlled manner. This study investigated the influence of intrinsic and imposed hamstring length on pelvic rotation during bilateral active hip flexion. METHODS: Intrinsic hamstring length was characterized by the maximal active straight leg raise angle. Hamstring length was imposed by immobilizing the knees in 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees of flexion. Pelvic and thigh segments were marked with reflective spheres. Subjects' saggital plane motion was captured using computerized motion analysis during bilateral hip flexion while both knees were immobilized in three positions. Multifactorial analysis of variance was employed to show the effect of intrinsic and imposed hamstring length on pelvic rotation. FINDINGS: Pelvic rotation occurred throughout the hip flexion range of motion. Pelvic rotation was influenced significantly by hip flexion angle, knee position, the interaction between hip flexion angle and knee position, and the interaction between hip flexion angle, knee position, and active straight leg raise angle. INTERPRETATION: Both intrinsic and imposed hamstring length influence pelvic rotation during bilateral hip flexion. These influences should be considered by clinicians who have individuals engage in hip flexion maneuvers.
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