EFFECT OF RESTRICTED HIP FLEXOR MUSCLE LENGTH ON HIP EXTENSOR MUSCLE ACTIVITY AND LOWER EXTREMITY BIOMECHANICS IN COLLEGE-AGED FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS.

Background: Hip flexor tightness is theorized to alter antagonist muscle function through reciprocal inhibition and synergistic dominance mechanisms. Synergistic dominance may result in altered movement patterns and increased risk of lower extremity injury.

Hypothesis/purpose: To compare hip extensor muscle activation, internal hip and knee extension moments during double-leg squatting, and gluteus maximus strength in those with and without clinically restricted hip flexor muscle length.