The purpose of this study was to examine intratester reliability of a test designed
to measure tightness in the hamstring muscles. The test measures the angle of
knee flexion with a pendulum goniometer after active knee extension with the
hip stabilized at 90 degrees flexion. The angle of knee flexion represents
hamstring tightness. After an instruction session for the subjects, the hamstring
muscle tightness of both extremities of 15 men was measured during test and
retest sessions. The reliability coefficients for test and retest measurements
were .99 for the left extremity and .99 for the right extremity. High reliability
resulted from strict body stabilization methods, a well-defined end point of
motion, and accurate instrument placement. If conducted properly, the test
should provide therapists with an objective and reliable tool for measuring
hamstring muscle tightness.