Inter-session reproducibility of sit and reach and toe touch tests for estimating hamstring flexibility in young adult first division futsal players

Abstract

Aim. To examine absolute reliability of the sit and reach test (SRT) and the toe touch test (TT) for estimating hamstring flexibility, as well as to determine whether the sit and reach test cuttoff scores may be used for toe touch test in professional futsal players. Method. A total of 30 participants completed 4 hamstring flexibility measurement sessions using SRT and TT with a two-week interval between sessions. Absolute reliability was examined through typical percentage error, percentage change in the mean and intraclass correlations (ICC) as well as their respective confidence limits. Results. High reliability measures were found for SRT (4.48% typical error; 0.84% change in the mean, 0.95 ICC) and TT (5.89% typical error; 2.31% change in the mean, 0.89 ICC). 95% limits of agreement between SRT and TT reported systematic bias (5.01 cm) and wide 95% random error (± 7.46 cm). Conclusion. An observed change larger than 6.72% (SRT) or 8.83% (TT) hamstring flexibility baseline scores after performed a treatment would indicate that a real improvement on hamstring flexibility was likely. In addition, the results suggested that different SRT cuttoff scores should be used for detecting short hamstring muscles in futsal players measured through TT.