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Research is presented that examined the criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests which are used to assess hamstring flexibility and pelvic tilt in 24 tennis players, 30 canoeists, 43 kayakers, and 44 cyclists. The study concludes that SR and TT tests might be appropriate measures for spine flexibility and the pelvic tilt range of motion but were not appropriate for measuring hamstring muscle flexibility in these participants.

Background: Sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in master cyclists may be altered due to specific cyclists´ postures. Research question: To analyse and compare the spinal and pelvic postures, between two cyclist age-categories with different cycling experience. Type of study: Descriptive and comparative. Methods: Participants: Fifty-five master 30 cyclists (between 30 and 39 years of age) and 55 master 40 cyclists (between 40 and 49 years of age). Main measures of outcome: Sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in relaxed standing, slumped sitting and a sit-and-reach test were measured using a Spinal Mouse® system. Results: Greater lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt in standing were found in master 30 cyclists (p < 0.05). However, no differences were found in the thoracic spine between both groups in standing. Seated thoracic kyphosis was lower in master 30 cyclists than in master 40 cyclists (p < 0.01). Kyphotic lumbar postures and posterior pelvic tilting in both groups were found in the slumped sitting and the sit-and-reach test. A high percentage of thoracic hyperkyphosis and neutral lordosis in standing were found in both groups. Conclusion: Both cyclists´ categories presented a high percentage of hyperkyphosis thoracic in the standing posture, and master 40 cyclists showed a significantly lower lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt than master 30 cyclists. In the seated position, middle-aged cyclists presented a significantly higher thoracic kyphosis than younger cyclists, although in maximal trunk flexion with knees extended, both groups presented similar values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]