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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
07:30

Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations

Published on: May 1, 2018

The razor curl: a functional approach to hamstring training.

Gretchen D Oliver1, Christopher P Dougherty

  • 1Department of Health, Kinesiology, Recreation, and Dance, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. goliver@uark.edu

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|February 11, 2009
PubMed
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The razor curl exercise effectively activates hamstring and gluteal muscles, particularly in a functional, hip-flexed position. This exercise enhances hamstring contractility, potentially reducing anterior cruciate ligament injury risk.

Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Hamstring and gluteal muscle conditioning is crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.
  • Traditional hamstring exercises may not fully replicate functional movement patterns.
  • Understanding muscle activation during specific exercises informs training program design.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the razor curl exercise for hamstring and gluteal muscle conditioning.
  • To determine muscle activation levels during the razor curl using electromyography (EMG).
  • To assess the functional benefits of the razor curl's unique positioning.

Main Methods:

  • Eight female intercollegiate athletes performed the razor curl exercise.
  • Electromyographic (EMG) data were collected from medial hamstring, biceps femoris, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus.

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  • Muscle activation was measured relative to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).

    • Main Results:

    • The razor curl elicited high activation of the medial hamstring (up to 220% MVIC) and biceps femoris (up to 140% MVIC).
    • Peak hamstring and gluteal activation occurred between 90 degrees of hip flexion and beyond 90 degrees of knee flexion.
    • The exercise's mechanics promote hamstring lengthening at the hip, facilitating a stronger contraction at the knee.

    Conclusions:

    • The razor curl is an effective exercise for increasing hamstring muscle contractility.
    • Training hamstrings in a functional, hip-flexed position, as with the razor curl, enhances training efficacy.
    • Incorporating the razor curl may improve land-based training outcomes and reduce anterior cruciate ligament injury susceptibility.