Better deadlift performance comes with higher hamstring tighness: An assessment on Perak Sukma 2018 Female Rugby Players

The study investigates the correlation between deadlift exercise, used as maximum strength performance indicator among athletes, with their hamstring tightness level, which may indicate the risk of injury. Twelve female rugby players (body weight 52.73 ± 6.90 kg, height 156 ± 5.77 cm) selected for Perak SUKMA 2018 team were assessed during centralized training ~9 months prior to the competition. Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) was assessed by a qualified physiotherapist, with the deadlift one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test conducted afterwards by a qualified strength and conditioning expert. Standardized warm-up and cooling down exercises were performed pre and post-exercise regimen, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis. Both left and right leg AKET measurements showed a negative correlation (r=-0.346 left, r=-0.174 right) with deadlift (average 1-RM load 50.83 ± 9.00 kg) performance. It can be concluded that better deadlift performance was also associated with higher hamstring tightness, thus reduced in a degree of range of movement. Practically it is suggested that a strength training programme should always be followed by a muscle flexibility training programme, apart from normal conventional stretching before and after exercises.