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Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Hamstring injuries in sprinting - the role of eccentric exercise
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Eccentric exercise strengthens the hamstring series elastic component (SEC), preventing injuries during sprinting and jumping. This approach enhances the musculotendinous structure for better force generation and resilience.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Hamstring injuries often occur during the late swing/early stance phase of athletic activities.
- Eccentric muscle actions generate high forces in the hamstring series elastic component (SEC), correlating with injury risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess a specific connective tissue insufficiency-induced hamstring injury.
- To propose and evaluate an eccentric exercise regimen for hamstring injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on hamstring injuries and eccentric muscle actions.
- Development and pilot study of an eccentric exercise program targeting the late swing/early stance phase.
Main Results:
- Eccentric training strengthens the SEC, improving the musculotendinous unit's capacity for force production and absorption.
- Pilot study indicated the exercise regimen's validity in addressing injury risk positions, angular velocities, and torques.
Conclusions:
- Eccentric exercise is a viable strategy for preventing and rehabilitating hamstring injuries.
- Targeted strengthening of the SEC can mitigate injury risk during high-force activities like sprinting.
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