Hamstring Flexibility and Postural Control: What Physiotherapists Should Know

Hamstring flexibility is often discussed in relation to movement quality, pelvic control and balance. But does greater flexibility actually translate into better postural control?

A recent cross-sectional observational study cross-sectional study investigated this question in 70 healthy young adults aged 18–30 years. Participants were assessed using the sit-and-reach test for hamstring flexibility, the Y Balance Test for postural control, the Biodex Overall Stability Index for global postural stability, joint position sense for proprioception, and two-point discrimination for tactile acuity.

The main finding was that greater hamstring flexibility was associated with better dynamic balance. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for sex and BMI. However, the association was relatively modest. The findings were different for sensory components. Hamstring flexibility was not significantly associated with knee proprioception, tactile acuity, or limb asymmetry. The relationship with overall postural stability was weak and disappeared after adjustment, so this finding should be interpreted cautiously.

What does this mean for your rehabilitation?*

• Hamstring flexibility appears relevant to dynamic balance, particularly Y-Balance performance, in healthy young adults. But hamstring flexibility should be viewed as one contributing factor, not a primary determinant of balance.

• Flexibility training alone is unlikely to improve proprioception: no meaningful association was found with knee joint-position sense

• Flexibility alone should not be expected to correct interlimb asymmetries. If asymmetry is present, combine flexibility work with targeted strength, coordination and balance training.

• For balance-related rehabilitation, consider hamstring flexibility as part of a multimodal intervention, alongside:

  • lower-extremity strength training,

  • neuromuscular control,

  • proprioceptive/balance exercises,

  • movement and lumbopelvic control

• For rehabilitation, flexibility work should therefore be considered one component of a broader treatment approach, alongside strength, balance, proprioceptive and neuromuscular training.

The findings should be interpreted cautiously. This was a cross-sectional observational study of healthy young adults. Causality and generalisability are limited.

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Source: Özel A, Şeşen Ş, Akıncı S. Beyond Hamstring Shortness: Continuous Flexibility Is Associated With Balance and Stability but Not Sensory Measures-A Cross-Sectional Study. ScientificWorldJournal. 2026;2026(1):e5729491. doi: 10.1155/tswj/5729491. PMID: 42596634

*Disclaimer: This document contains a summary and interpretation of scientific material and does not constitute an official representation of the original publication. No guarantee is made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or interpretation of the information presented. All responsibility for verifying the content and drawing conclusions from the original source rests with the reader. I expressly disclaim any liability for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any direct or indirect consequences arising from the use or reliance on this document.