Frequency of Calf and Hamstring Tightness and Its Association with Functional Disability in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy

Abstract

Background: Lumbar radiculopathy is a common spinal disorder characterized by nerve root compression, often resulting in radiating pain and functional impairment. While musculoskeletal factors such as muscle tightness are known to influence spinal biomechanics, the relationship between hamstring and calf muscle tightness and functional disability in patients with lumbar radiculopathy remains insufficiently explored. Objective: To determine the frequency of calf and hamstring muscle tightness and evaluate their association with functional disability in patients diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, from July to December 2022. A total of 149 patients with clinically confirmed lumbar radiculopathy were assessed using the Active Knee Extension (AKE) test for hamstring tightness, goniometric measurement of passive ankle dorsiflexion for calf muscle tightness, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability. Associations were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Hamstring tightness was present in 44.3% of participants, while 38.9% exhibited calf muscle tightness. Functional disability (ODI > 20%) was identified in 36.9% of patients. Calf muscle tightness was significantly associated with functional disability (p = 0.008; OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.22–4.65), whereas hamstring tightness showed no significant association (p = 0.343). Conclusion: Calf muscle tightness is significantly associated with functional disability in patients with lumbar radiculopathy, suggesting that targeted interventions to improve calf flexibility may enhance clinical outcomes.