ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

Angeles City
INTEGRATED SCHOOL

Body Mass Index in Relation to Hamstring Flexibility

among Adolescents

Krizzi Garcia, Jezrene Lising, Andrea Lacap, Keith Dizon, Dennise

Yumang, Jene Flores, Jonel Santiago, Josh Espartero, Ralph Pineda

Mr. Emmanuel Carbungco

General Biology Instructor

Mr. Carlos Gozun

Biostatistics Instructor

March 2017

i
 Abstract

The alarming rate of overweight and obesity worldwide gave rise to

different researches surrounding these topics. Diseases like hypertension and

diabetes was found to be associated with obesity. Therefore, physical fitness and

body composition plays an important role in maintaining a healthy body. Previous

studies had conflicts in determining if there is a relationship between body mass

index (BMI) and flexibility. This cross-sectional study aims to examine further the

correlation of the body mass index and flexibility among adolescents. The present

study is only limited to 32 student of Grade 11-St. James in Angeles University

Foundation, ages within 16-18 yrs. old, who were randomly selected. The sample

consists of eleven boys and twenty-one girls. The respondents’ BMI were being

measured by their height and weight, and performed sit-and-reach to get their

flexibility. The data was being divided based on gender. The data were being

examined to calculate the correlation using Vassarstat. The results showed that

there is a weak correlation between flexibility and body mass index among male

(P > 0.005) and female (P > 0.005). In conclusion, that flexibility as a measure of

a person’s health is not fully valid. The established connection between physical

fitness and a person’s health is not applicable with flexibility tests. The present

study suggests further research with bigger sample size, approximately more

than 200, and more accurate flexibility tests.

Keywords: body mass index, obesity, hamstrings, adolescents

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The researchers would like to thank our Biostastics instructor, Sir Carlos

Gozun, and our General Biology instructor, Sir Emmanuel Carbungco of the Angeles

University Foundation Integrated School. The door to Sir Gozun and Sir

Carbungco’s office were always open whenever we ran into a trouble spot or had a

question about our research or writing. They consistently allowed this paper to be

our own work, but steered us in the right the direction whenever they thought we

needed it.

The researchers would also like to thank the respondents for sharing their

time, inputs and experience. Without their willingness to participate and inputs, we

will not be able to come up with data for this research paper.  

The researchers would also like to express our profound gratitude to our

parents, for providing us with unfailing support and continuous encouragement

throughout the years. This accomplishment would not have been possible without

them.

Finally, they would like thank the Lord, our God, with whom all things are

possible.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………….ii

Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………...………….iii

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………...……..iv

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study………………………………………………………………..1

B. Statement of the Problem and Research Questions…………………………………3
C. Research Objective………………………………………………………………………3
D. Significance of the Study………………………………………………………………..4
E. Scope and Delimitation………………………………………………………………….4
F. Target Audience………………………………………………………………………….5
G. Hypothesis………………………………………………………………………………..6

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE…………………………………………7

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY…………………………………………………………………13

CHAPTER IV: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION………………………………………………….16

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSIONS……………………………………………………………………21

BIBLIOGRAPHY…………………………………………………………………………………….24

APPENDIX………………………………………………………………………………..…………27

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v
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUD OF THE STUDY

Adolescence is an important stage in an individual’s life. In this stage,

physiological and psychological changes happen. These changes might lead to a

life-long lifestyle which may affect one’s behavior and health status in adulthood.

However, childhood behavior with adequate physical fitness will likely carry

beneficial biological and behavioral effects. Studies have shown that physically

active children are most likely grow into physically active adults and that physical

fitness in children may prevent future muscoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases

(Brit Med J, 2010). Thus, physical fitness plays an important role in the prevention of

future diseases.

As what studies have claimed, healthy lifestyle involves a healthy diet and

performing regular physical activities. Health-related physical fitness can be an

indirect indicator of a person’s health and wellbeing, manifesting the interaction and

integration of the person’s systems and body organs (Pereira, et al., 2011). A

component of health-related physical fitness is flexibility. Flexibility is referred to as

an absolute range of movement by joints in the body which is achievable in a

momentary effort through the assistance of an equipment or a partner (Gummerson,

1990). Our bodies would be performing tasks difficultly without flexibility.

Furthermore, as a component of health-related fitness, the importance of flexibility

can be associated with the prevention of occurrence of orthopedic impairments in the

later stage of life (Haskeil et al.,1985). However, flexibility deteriorate as an individual

ages mostly due to a sedentary kind of lifestyle. Sedentary lifestyle is defined as a

1
kind of lifestyle that excludes regular physical activities (Wikipedia.com). People who

have this kind of lifestyle spends most of their time seated. Scientists and

physiologists have already established facts about the benefits of having a regular

exercise. Together with exercise, stretching improves one’s flexibility and eventually

promotes overall good health. Flexibility also improves posture, reduces lower back

pain, and increases blood flow and nutrients to soft tissues (SkinnyMs.com).

Additionally, body composition is also an important aspect to be considered in

engaging in a healthy lifestyle. It is an important component of physical fitness (Reilly

& Straton, 1995). To evaluate an individual’s fitness and body composition, a

standard indicator is used internationally (Parsay, 2008). BMI or Body Mass Index is

the measure of body fat in relation basing on height in relation with height

(Medicalnewstoday.com) A calculated BMI may classify an individual among four

categories. BMI less than 18.5 indicates underweight, between 18.5 and 24.9 is

normal, between 25 and 30 is overweight and above 30 is considered as obese

(Black and Hawks, 2005).

The continuous rise of the rate of obesity worldwide was limited to adults until the

few past years but over the two past decades, children and adolescents have also

become involved (Konttinen, et al., 2009). Obesity, as a BMI-related disease, has

been found to be associated with illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease,

hypertension, stroke and cancer (Ning, et al., 2013) It is defined as a condition in

which an individual suffers from too much body fat (Medlineplus.com) Obesity is a

condition that is significantly related with body composition. With the presented facts,

both body composition and flexibility can determine one’s overall health.

Recent worldwide trends in increasing obesity and sedentary habits and

declining fitness among youth further emphasized the relevance of understanding

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how fitness is related to obesity (Bovet, et al., 2007). Past studies have

demonstrated weak asssociation between body mass index and flexibility (Knudson,

Magnusson, & McHugh, 2000). The results revealed that flexibility did not load

greatly compared with other physical fitness variables. Thus, it is still under scrutiny

whether flexibility should be considered a relevant marker of physical fitness in

children. An inverse relationship was found by Bovet, Auguste, and Burdette

between overweight and physical fitness. Gender differences claimed to have

significant differences regarding physical fitness. Boys had higher levels of physical

fitness than did girls due to different gender expectations they face (Tsai, et al.,

1998)

The present study aims to know the relationship between body mass index and

flexibility in adolescents.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Research Problem: Is there a significant relationship between flexibility and body

mass index among adolescents?

Research questions:

a.) Is there a significant relationship between flexibility and body mass index among

adolescent’s ages 16-18 years old?

b.) Is there a relationship between flexibility and body mass index among males and

females?

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Main Objective:

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  To examine further the correlation of the body mass index and flexibility

among adolescents

Specific Objective:

 To know if gender is a factor that affects the association of body mass index

and flexibility

 To correlate the flexibility and body mass index among adolescents ages 16-

18 years old

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

A sample of 32 students ages 16-18 years old, from the Grade 11 class of

St. James in Angeles University Foundation is included in the study. The study will

examine the body mass index and flexibility of the students. The main limitation of

this study is its cross-sectional nature. Data obtained was collected from a study

population at a single time. The results cannot determine which is the independent

variable. It only provides a snapshot of the frequency of a condition in a population at

a specific time. (Hennekens, 1987) The study’s coverage is limited to the class of

Grade 11 St. James in Angeles University Foundation which cannot be generalized

to other groups. Also, the study’s subjects are only aged 16-18 that invalidates

generalization with other age groups. Health related physical fitness tests composes

of many parts and flexibility is only a part of it. Assessment of the overall health

related physical fitness of the subjects was inadequate because only one component

is measured.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

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 Past studies have shown that there is a link between body mass index and

the risk of acquiring diseases like diabetes, stroke and hypertension. This study will

be able to:

1) determine if there is a relationship between BMI and flexibility which is a

component of health-related physical fitness that will provide more knowledge about

the nature of the diseases associated with BMI

2) provide basis in the study of health-related fitness and body mass index as

powerful markers of health

3) promote health related physical fitness activities as a method of

maintaining normal body mass index

4) improve the treatment of certain diseases involving body mass index which

will open more doors for the development of medicinal practices

5) prevent orthopedic impairments later in life, especially lower back pain with

the benefits of flexibility in the body

Flexibility of the lower back, legs and shoulders act as an effective deterrent to risk of

musculoskeletal injury (Haskeil et al., 1985).

TARGET AUDIENCE

The present study is intended for parents with young children. With the

findings to be gained by this research, parents would be able to educate their

children regarding the importance of engaging into physical activities which will

improve physical fitness and prevent abnormal body mass index consequently.

Additionally, people who are very particular with their health will be able to determine

what can influence their health and improve physical activity at the same time. The

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current study also targets the athletes and players so that they will be able to

maintain their body mass index which further relates to flexibility. Flexibility is an

important factor for better performance of athletes. Individuals with abnormal body

mass index could also benefit from this research. Underweight and obese people

would be able to determine and understand how physical activity affects a person’s

body mass index which is very relevant in preventing associated diseases like

diabetes and hypertension.

HYPOTHESIS

H0: There is no significant relationship between body mass index and flexibility of

Grade 11 St. James.

Ha: There is a significant relationship between body mass index and flexibility of

Grade 11 St. James.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The association between BMI and flexibility of individuals did not have a

established connection and still needs further study. Some studies have

demonstrated a non-significant relationship between the two aforementioned

variables while some studies have shown an inverse relationship. Researchers

considered the association as weak. Few studies considered age and gender as

factors that may affect the relationship of BMI and flexibility. Previous researchers

have determined the importance of recognizing their connection. This chapter

discusses the related studies and literature about physical fitness and its importance,

its impact on our overall heath and flexibility and body mass index as indicators of

health status.

Definition of terms:

Body Mass Index - is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your

height (Nichols, 2016)

Flexibility - is referred to as an absolute range of movement by joints in the body

which is achievable in a momentary effort through the assistance of an equipment or

a partner (Gummerson, 1990)

Hamstring - the prominent tendons at the back of the knee. They are the sidewalls of

the hollow behind the knee. (This hollow is called the popliteal space). Both

hamstrings connect to muscles that flex the knee. (MedicineNet)

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Adolescence - is the period of developmental transition between childhood and

adulthood, involving multiple physical, intellectual, personality, and social

developmental changes (TheClevelandClinicFoundation, 2015)

Importance of Hamstring Flexibility

Hamstring flexibility is an important component for muscular fitness. The most

common muscle which is prone in tightening during the rapid growth & development

occurring in the stage of adolescence is the hamstring (Harrison, et al., 1998).

Different studies have associated tight hamstring muscles with the reduction in the

lumbar lordosis which can result in low back pain (Hopper, et al., 2005). A study by

Orchard, et al., (2001), found that Australian football players that are older than 23

years had results that are significantly higher risk for hamstring strain injuries than

other players that are younger than 23 years old. Therefore, hamstring flexibility on

adolescents is an important factor in preventing injuries.

Effects of Physical Activity on Physical Fitness

Previous studies have shown the that there is still a need for more further

research on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity

because of the complexity of examining physical activity (Kohl, et al., 2000)

Decrease on the prevalence of obesity, risk of cardiovascular disease-related death,

diabetes and high cholesterol was found to be caused by engaging in adequate

levels of physical activty on a regular basis (Goran et al. 2003; Steinberger & Daniels

2003). Physical activity is defined as a movement of the body made when there is a

contraction of muscle and increased energy expenditure (Sirard & Pate 2001). These

two factors are associated with another as per previous researches wherein physical

activity will result into physical fitness. Physical activity and physical fitness are

8
closely connected in which physical fitness is mainly determined by physical activity

patterns over weeks or months. Children and adolescents’ physical fitness is

thought of as an important indicator of health-related outcomes (Ortega, Ruiz,

Castillo, & Sjöström, 2008)

Physical Fitness as a Health Marker

Physical fitness can be considered as an integrated measure of most, if not all,

the body functions like skeletomuscular, cardiorespiratory, hematocirculatory,

psychoneurological and endocrine–metabolic which is used in daily physical activity

and/or physical exercise. Hence, when physical fitness is assessed, the functional

status of all these systems is actually being examined. With this, physical fitness is

nowadays used as one of the most important health markers, as well as a predictor

of morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and for all causes

(Konttinen, et. al., 2009). Physical fitness was found to be influenced by childhood

and adolescents behavior. Both childhood and adolescence are crucial stages of life

since changes occur at these periods. Lifestyle and healthy/unhealthy practices are

determined and may influence adult behavior and affect the health consequently.

Researches have demonstrated the relationship between physical activities at a

young age and its effects on health (Hallal, et al., 2006).

Body Mass Index and Flexibility

 Physical fitness can be categorized into health-related and skill-related fitness.

Although skill-related fitness is important for success in sports and athletic events,

health-related fitness is essential for everyday activities. The four components of

health-related physical fitness are: cardiorespiratory endurance; muscle strength and

endurance; flexibility; and body composition (Nieman, 1999). Flexibility as a

9
component of health-related physical fitness has been used for determining physical

fitness. Additionally, traditional sit -and-reach tests have been found to be a reliable

test for hamstring flexibility but it was found that chair sit and reach and back saver

sit and reach can be alternative forms with accurate and reasonable measurements

(Jones, et al., 1998) .

Examining the physical fitness of an individual can be done through assessment

of these four components. Body composition can be determined by using the body

mass index. BMI is employed internationally for the classification of humans as

normal, overweight and obese (WHO, 2005). It is inexpensive and easily to

administer than methods assessment of body fat percentage. According to the World

Health Organization, body mass Index (BMI) is defined as a simple index of weight-

for-height wherein the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in

meters (kg/m2). For the past half century, evidence that being physically inactive or

unfit has primary negative health consequences throughout the lifespan have been

provided by researchers (Ortega, Ruiz, Castillo, & Sjöström, 2008; Sallis et al.,

2012). Being physically inactive have been a main cause of BMI-related diseases.

Increases in the risk of several diseases/disorders, including several forms of cancer,

diabetes, hypertension, coronary and cerebrovascular diseases, overweight/obesity,

and all-cause mortality, among others have been significant regarding physical

inactivity (Knight, 2012). In comparison with normal weight, overweight adolescents

have showed poorer muscular endurance (measured by sit-up) ( Deforche, et al.,

2003) cardiovascular fitness (measured by endurance run)(Kim, et al., 2005) but

similar flexibility (measured by sit-and-reach) (Chen, et al., 2002) and even better

isometric strength (measured by handgrip test) (Artero, et al., 2009) On the other

hand, flexibility as one of the four components of health-related physical fitness have

10
been found to have an inverse relationship or none at all with body mass index. This

was considered as a weak relationship between the aforementioned vaiables (Arora,

et al.,) On a study by Arora, et al., (2013), shown that there is no association

between BMI and Flexibility in Adolescent Subjects wherein they studied 300

subjects. Age and gender was also found to be connected with BMI and flexibility. In

a study by Mak (2010) which was intended to research the connection between

health related physical wellness and weight status in Hong Kong young people, they

found out that boys had a feeble connection of BMI and sit-and-reach test. Nikoladis,

et al., (2012) assessed the relationship between age and hamstring flexibility of male

soccer players and It was revealed that flexibility was significantly lower among

those soccer players who are younger than among their older counterparts.(13)On a

study by Monyeki, et al., (2005) wherein they studied undernourished children, and

found out that body composition was significantly related to physical fitness, but not

always in the expected direction. On a study by Yahaya (2011) the objective was to

analyze body mass index(BMI) and flexibility of badminton players in Northern

Nigeria and to identify if there is a relationship between the players’ bmi and flexibility

based on their gender. The researcher used purposive sampling method to select 20

male and nine (9) female a total of 29 players from Northern states. Four(4) of the

male and two(2) of the female were national team players while the remaining are

non-national team players. Multiple correlation coeffencies and independent t-test

were used to compute the significant difference in bmi and flexibility between the

sexes. The result shows that there is a significant difference between the heights

and bmi of the selected male and female badminton players in the Northern Nigeria.

No significant difference in weight and sit-and-reach value of the male and female

participants. Another study by Alimardani (2012), they aimed to know the relationship

11
between physical fitness and anthropometric indicators(BMI and WHR) among non-

athlete students of the University. The researchers selected 222 non-athlete male

students and 220 non-athlete female students who were taking physical education 1

of Qom University as their research respondents. The age of the participants were at

range of 19 to 25 years old. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation. As a

result, there was no relationship between tests of running, flexibility, station and sit

up among female participants. While male participants level of WHR was weak and

average with horizontal bar test. Sit up and flexibility did not prove the significant

relationship with WHR.

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 CHAPTER III
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This chapter contains the research design, sampling procedures and the

methodology used in the conduct of this study. It incorporated the sampling

technique, sources of data, the research subjects, population of the study, the

method used to gather data as well as the statistical tool used in the analysis of data.

This chapter provides the overview of how the data was gathered, computed and

analyzed in the easiest way possible.

Measure the Height

Calculate the BMI
and Weight

Distribution Sampling Figure 3.1 Research Design

TRIAL 1
of Consents Procedures
Measure Flexibility
thru TRIAL 2
RESEARCH DESIGN
Sit and reach
Statistical
Results The present study (see Figure
Analysis TRIAL 3
3.1) employed a cross-sectional type of

study in which it involves using different

Discussion Conclusion groups of people who differ in the

variable of interest but share other

characteristics, such as age, gender and weight. It therefore analyzes data taken

from a population. (Study.com) It will conducted using the data acquired from the

tests given to the grade eleven class of St. James of Angeles University Foundation.

Data Collection Procedure

The individuals that were chosen to be investigated are the class of grade eleven

St. James. The subjects in this study the respondents are selected using purposive

13
sampling techniques which included 32 individuals from both genders and within the

ages 16 to 18 yrs. old. The researchers will ask the respondents to sign a consent

saying that they agreed to measure their flexibility and BMI. A series of tests will be

conducted and data are being recorded and written down by the respondents.

1. The respondents will be tested by the researchers to measure their flexibility

and BMI.

a. Sit-and-reach will be used to measure the flexibility of each

respondent. Based on the study of Arora et al. (2016), the subjects

were then asked to remove the shoes and sit on the floor with the legs

stretched out in front, knees straight and feet flat against the front end

of the test box. In a slow, steady movement, they were asked to lean

forward at hips keeping the knees straight and slide the hand up the

ruler as far as they can go. A rest pause was given and the test was

repeated 3 times.

b. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is accepted as the standard based on

extensive studies and calculates weight for height and is obtained by

dividing weight in kilograms by square of height in meters.

Accordingly, BMI less than 18.5 indicates underweight, between 18.5

and 24.9 is average, between 25 and 30 is overweight and above the

30 kg/m2 is considered obesity. (Pouresmali et al., 2015)

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The association between Flexibility and Body Mass index (BMI) was

correlated using Pearson correlation coefficient. Since the hamstring flexibility is

influenced by a number of factors like age, gender, Body mass index (BMI),

14
occupation and physical inactivity. Based upon general joint range of motion data a

physical therapist could expect Hamstrings muscle length (HML) to vary between

men and women, with women having greater HML than men. Furthermore, a

clinician could reason that hamstrings flexibility would diminish with an increase in

age. So the generalizations can be made about the effect of gender and age on joint

range of motion. (Gopi et al., 2014) The correlation of flexibility and body mass index

were being compared based on gender.The association between flexibility and body

mass index of 10 male and 21 were being tested using Pearson product moment

coefficient. . We used a software namely Vassarstats in analyzing the data, and

Microsoft Word and Excel to generate graphs, tables.

CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this chapter, research findings and the analysis of the data will be presented.

The findings relate to the research questions that guided the study. Data were

15
analyzed to identify and describe the relationship between body mass index and

hamstring flexibility. A total of 32 subjects particularly Grade 11 students from the

section of St. James in Angeles University Foundation were included in the study in

which a convenient sampling method was employed. The data were evaluated using

two aspects as follows:

Descriptive statistics - for demographic data (gender and BMI) 

Analytical Statistics – Spearman’s correlation Coefficient was used as the tool to

analyze the association between BMI & Flexibility. The level of significance was fixed

at 0.05.

A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was computed to assess the

relationship between the body mass index and hamstring flexibility among

adolescents.

Descriptive Statistics

Gender N Mean Standard

Deviation
Male 11 84.15 10.76
Female 21 85.77 12.10
Table 4.1 Mean and Standard Deviation of Flexibility

Gender N Mean Standard

Deviation
Male 11 22.96 2.75
Female 21 21.50 3.31
Table 4.2 Mean and Standard Deviation of Body Mass Index (BMI)

Pearson’s n=32 Male Female

Correlation

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 Coefficient N= 11 N=21
r -0.0176 0.1601 -0.0887
p 0.921010 0.635857 0.700874

Table 4.3 Correlation Analysis

A scatter plot diagram summarizes the results (Figure 4.1)

Figure 4.1 Association between body mass index and hamstring flexibility

Research Question 1: From the computed data, there was no significant

correlation between the two variables, r = -0.0176 n = 32, p = 0.921010 among the

subjects ages 16-18 years old.

Research Question 2: The researchers also found no significant relationship

between body mass index and flexibility among males (Figure 2) and females

(Figure 3). Male calculated values were: r = 0.1601 n=11 p = 0.635857 while female

calculated values were: r = -0.0887 n=21 p = 0.700874

17
 Figure 4.2 Association between body mass index and hamstring flexibility among male subjects.

Figure 4.3 Association between body mass index and hamstring flexibility among female subjects.

The main objective of the study was to assess the correlation between the body

mass index and hamstring flexibility through sit and reach tests. The results of the

correlation test showed that there is no significant relationship between the variables

among individuals aged 16-18 years old. Meanwhile, both genders showed no

significant relationships among the variables being tested.

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 Body composition was found to be a significant indicator of health status in

children and adolescents (Norgan, 1990). While health related physical fitness which

includes flexibility have been also found to be related with an individual’s health

(Hallal, et.al, 2006). Thus, recent studies have aimed to study the relationship

between body mass index and flexibility.

The present study have demonstrated no relationship between the two variables.

Difference in the age groups among subjects may have affected the results of the

study. On a study by Al-Asiri and Shaheen (2015), they found a significant

relationship between body mass index and hamstring flexibility among ages 13-15

years old. Also, the small size of the study sample and inaccurate measurements

might have also affected the results. The sample was also not grouped according to

their BMI measurements. A study by Alter (2004) in which he confirms that body

composition may have little association with flexibility. Best example on this would be

the ability of the sumo wrestlers to straddle split. On another sttudy by Chen, L. J.,

et.al (2006), also showed that there are no differences in the flexibility among

individuals with higher BMI and with those with normal or lower BMI. Similar results

were also shown on a study by Chen, W., et. al. (2002) however they examined the

performance of the subjects in all components of health-related physical fitness and

notice a connection with higher BMI except for BMI. It is therefore found out that BMI

has a significant effect on the health of adolescents.

Gender differences have showed significant differences on the mean hamstring

flexibility among the subjects. Female subjects showed higher flexibility compared

with male subjects. On a study by Krabak, BJ. et al. about neurophysiological

influence on hamstrings flexibility have results wherein females have showed a

greater mean popliteal angle for hamstring muscle length than men.

19
CHAPTER V

CONCLUSIONS

20
 This chapter provides the summary of the findings, its conclusions and the

recommendations offered by the researchers.

Physical health is defined by World Health Organization as a state of complete

physical, mental and social well-being and not merely being free from any disease or

infirmity. Having a healthy body can be a person’s only asset in which he or she can

live longer and happier. It is therefore very important to determine factors that affects

our overall health. Physical fitness and body composition plays an important role in

maintaining a healthy body. Several health-related physical activities have showed

links with a person’s health. One component is the flexibility, our findings strongly

suggest that there exists no significant relationship between flexibility and body mass

index among the adolescents. Body mass index have also been found to be

connected with a person’s health. However, from the findings found; it is concluded

that flexibility as a measure of a person’s health is not fully valid. The established

connection between physical fitness and a person’s health is not applicable with

flexibility tests. Other components of health-related physical fitness demonstrated an

inverse relationship with body mass index in which supports the idea that physical

activity improves health. The relationship between flexibility and BMI is not very

clear, thus selecting the right and appropriate test in each component of health-

related physical fitness tests is vital in order to obtain the true measurement of a

person’s health. This study therefore concludes that the relationship between BMI

and hamstring flexibility needs further analysis in serving as an indicator of potential

health risks in a person. A person’s weight is therefore inconsistently associated with

flexibility. This study could be used by future researchers as a basis for further

improvements in this area of endeavor. Future studies should strengthen the

association between the variables. Additionally, differences in the flexibility among

21
genders have suggests that enhancement in physical activities among males should

be done to increase flexibility. Flexibility has been a very important factor in

preventing injuries in the course of different physical activities like sports. With this, it

is suggested that parents of younger children need to promote and incorporate an

active lifestyle in their childhood which may result in positive health status in the

future. Additionally, physiotherapists may use this study as a guide when conducting

assessment of physical fitness among adolescents based on the results.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Several risk factors including poor flexibility, strength imbalance, insufficient

warm-up, and fatigue have been suggested to be risk factors for hamstring strain

injury. Studies have performed different experiments in an attempt to provide

evidence to support the said factors. Studies regarding this have been found to be

lacking. Because of he nature of the study being cross-sectional, no causal

relationship can be found. Future studies should aim to improve the prevention and

rehabilitation of hamstring strain injury, specifically, randomized control trials for the

establishment of cause-and-effect relationships between the aforementioned factors

including flexibility and hamstring strain injury.

Future studies should also employ an alternative and improved method of

measuring hamstring flexibility which is the chair sit and reach. A study by Jones, et

al., (1998) have proposed chair sit and reach as an alternative in assessing

hamstring flexibility in elderly people. However, in terms of comfort, back saver sit

and reach can be used.

22
 Additionally, future researchers should assess a larger sample in order to obtain

accurate and adequate data for the results. Furthermore, they could also conduct

studies involving subjects that are separated between urban and rural residents.

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APPENDIX A: CONSENT FORM

Angeles University Foundation

26
 Angeles City
CONSENT FORM

March 07, 2017

Dear Ma’am/Sir,

Warm Greetings!

We, Grade 11 students of Angeles University Foundation, would like to ask

you to partake in our study entitled: A Study of Body Mass Index in Relation to
Flexibility among Adolescents. The study’s main objective is to examine the
correlation of the body mass index and flexibility among adolescents. Body mass
index will be measured and flexibility will be examined by performing sit-and-reach.
However, you can refuse or discharge from the activity whenever you wish to.
We appreciate your kindness and participation regarding this request. Thank
you.

Sincerely yours,
Krizzi Eve Garcia
Group Representative

________________________
Partcipant’s Signature

APPENDIX B:
RESULTS

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Table 1: Descriptive Statistics
Flexibility
Gender N Mean Standard
Deviation
Male 11 84.15 10.76
Female 21 85.77 12.10

Table 2: Body Mass Index

Gender N Mean Standard
Deviation
Male 11 22.96 2.75
Female 21 21.50 3.31

Title: Body Mass Index in Relation to Hamstring Flexibility among Adolescents

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Members: Krizzi Garcia, Jezrene Lising, Andrea Lacap, Keith Dizon, Dennise Yumang,

Jene Flores, Jonel Santiago, Josh Espartero, Ralph Pineda

Email address: krizgarcia1224@gmail.com

Abstract

The alarming rate of overweight and obesity worldwide gave rise to different

researches surrounding these topics. Diseases like hypertension and diabetes was found to

be associated with obesity. Therefore, physical fitness and body composition plays an

important role in maintaining a healthy body. Previous studies had conflicts in

determining if there is a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and flexibility. This

cross-sectional study aims to examine further the correlation of the body mass index and

flexibility among adolescents. The present study is only limited to 32 student of Grade

11-St. James in Angeles University Foundation, ages within 16-18 yrs. old, who were

randomly selected. The sample consists of eleven boys and twenty-one girls. The

respondents’ BMI were being measured by their height and weight, and performed sit-

and-reach to get their flexibility. The data was being divided based on gender. The data

were being examined to calculate the correlation using Vassarstat. The results showed

that there is a weak correlation between flexibility and body mass index among male (P >

0.005) and female (P > 0.005). In conclusion, that flexibility as a measure of a person’s

health is not fully valid. The established connection between physical fitness and a

person’s health is not applicable with flexibility tests. The present study suggests further

research with bigger sample size, approximately more than 200, and more accurate

flexibility tests.

Keywords: body mass index, obesity, hamstrings, adolescents.

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