The Effects of Psoas Major and Lumbar Lordosis on Hip Flexion and Sprint Performance

In this study, we analyzed the correlations between hip flexion power, sprint performance, lumbar lordosis ( LL) and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the psoas muscle (PM). Ten young adults performed two sprint tests and isokinetic tests to determine hip flexion power. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine LL and PM CSA. There were correlations between hip flexion power, sprint performance, and PM CSA, but LL showed no correlation with any parameter. The impact of hip flexion power and LL on sprint stride pattern efficiency was considered. Hip flexion might not have a simple role in the passive knee replacement of the stride pattern; instead, it may be an active parameter. Other investigations are needed to determine the influence of pelvic architecture on sprint performance.

Key words:

• efficient movement
• running
• track and field

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karine Copaver

Please address correspondence concerning this article to Copaver Karine Copaver, Laboratoire A.C.T.E.S. UPRES-EA 3596, U.F.R.S.T.A.P.S.–U.A.G. Campus de Fouillole, BP 592, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre Cedex, France