Evaluation of Lower Extremity Muscles Shortness, Flexibility, and Hypermobility in Adults with Asymptomatic Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Objective: (a) To investigate the presence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in asymptomatic individuals and (b) to compare lower limb muscle shortness, flexibility of hamstring and erector spinae muscles, and hypermobility between subjects with and without asymptomatic sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Material and Methods: A total of 54 healthy young adults subjects were included in the study. The subjects were assessed with the sacroiliac joint diagnostic procedure. The seated flexion test, the standing flexion test, the Gillet test, and bilateral bony landmark examination were performed by an expert investigator. According to the positivity of at least 3 of these tests, the subjects were divided into 2 groups, the asymptomatic sacroiliac joint dysfunction group and the control group. The shortness of tensor fasciae latae and iliopsoas muscles was evaluated with the modified Ober test and the modified Thomas test. The straight leg raise test and fingertip-to-floor test were carried out for hamstring and erector spinae muscles flexibility, while hypermobility was assessed according to the Beighton criteria. Results: The asymptomatic sacroiliac joint dysfunction was diagnosed in 38% of healthy adults. There was no statistical difference in the shortness of tensor fasciae latae and iliopsoas muscles between the asymptomatic sacroiliac joint dysfunction group and the control group (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no difference between the groups in terms of the hamstring and erector spinae muscles flexibility, and the Beighton scores (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study emphasized that asymptomatic sacroiliac joint dysfunction might be seen in healthy young adults without the difference in shortness and flexibility in the lower extremity and hypermobility.