International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

What type of joint movement do the hamstring muscles contribute to?

1. Hip only

2. Knee only

3. Both knee and hip

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Both knee and hip

The hamstring muscles play a crucial role in movement at both the hip and knee joints. These muscles, which include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, originate from the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis and extend down to the tibia and fibula, impacting both joints. At the hip, the hamstrings are primarily responsible for hip extension. This movement occurs when the thigh is moved backward, which is essential in activities like running, jumping, and climbing. At the knee, the hamstrings are involved in knee flexion, which is the bending of the knee joint and is critical during movements such as squatting, running, and leg curling. Therefore, the hamstring muscles contribute significantly to both the knee and hip joint movements, making the option of both knee and hip the correct choice. This dual functionality is vital for a wide range of athletic and everyday movements, highlighting the importance of hamstring strength and flexibility in overall movement efficiency and injury prevention.