The Single Leg Bridge Test Does Not Measure Isolated Hamstring Endurance in Healthy Men.
Lucas S Roberti, Rodrigo A Franke, Bruno Q Robaina and 2 others
PMID 39628772WHAT IT FOUND
The Single Leg Bridge Test does not measure isolated hamstring endurance.
Scores showed no correlation with hamstring fatigue. The test likely assesses the endurance of the hip extensors, including the glutes, meaning a low score does not indicate a hamstring problem.
Key findings
01There was no significant correlation between the Single Leg Bridge Test score and hamstring fatigue indices provided by peak torque or work.
02Limb symmetry index found in the Single Leg Bridge Test was not significantly correlated with limb symmetry index found in the hamstring endurance test.
03The gluteus maximus is the most relevant hip extensor and likely played a key role in the Single Leg Bridge Test score, whereas it could not contribute to the isolated knee flexion endurance test.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
The findings apply only to male recreational athletes and healthy men. Caution is needed when extrapolating these results to female athletes or high-performance athletes. Participants had no prior experience with either the Single Leg Bridge Test or isokinetic testing. Familiarity with the specific tasks may have influenced performance, and additional practice sessions were not possible. The Single Leg Bridge Test requires the evaluator to monitor technique and count repetitions until failure. This introduces potential for human error in determining exactly when the test should be stopped.
Declared interests
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that because the Single Leg Bridge Test involves the hamstring, a low score indicates hamstring weakness. The test requires hip extension, meaning the gluteus maximus contributes significantly to the result. A patient may have healthy hamstrings but fail the test due to gluteal weakness.