Although we are very flexible when we are young when we reach the age of 18 we are becoming less flexible. A recent study published the flexibility of young soccer players age 8-19. Find out which muscles are usually becoming less flexible and which muscles typically stay flexible. Although flexibility is seen as important for injury prevention, recent studies don’t acknowledge these views. One studies found that;
Which Muscles Become Tight During Your Youth
Researchers studied muscles from children from the age of 8 until 19 years old. The focus of the study was on the lower extremities. The researchers performed a total of 11 flexibilities test were performed and the data was noted. See below which tests were performed.
What Did The Researchers Find
Overall the finding of the tests showed a slow decrease in flexibility as the children age. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Goalkeepers who are not the best soccer player, are often more flexible than field players. Overall the studies show that between the ages of 10-12 soccer players are the most flexible. Surprisingly, the HF-KF test (test for hamstring flexibility) shows that hamstring flexibility is increased in the older age group compared to some of the younger ones.
What Is The Best Exercise To Train The Hamstring For Injury Prevention
Although the Nordic Hamstring Curl is seen as the best exercise for hamstring injury prevention, newer research is focusing on another exercise.
The newest exercise to improve your running technique and limit your chance of injury is the single-leg roman chair hold. this exercise brings the hamstring in the same position as a running position. See the exercise below.
One study compared single-leg roman chair hold vs. the nordic hamstring curl and found the roman chair exercise more effective. The authors noted