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Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Effects of a low volume injury prevention program on the hamstring torque angle relationship
Fernando Naclerio1, Avery D Faigenbaum, Eneko Larumbe
1Centre for Sports Science and Human Performance, School of Science, University of Greenwich, Kent, UK. f.j.naclerio@gre.ac.uk
Research in Sports Medicine (Print)
|June 20, 2013
Summary
A 4-week lower body injury prevention program improved knee muscle torque in soccer players, particularly at 80 degrees. This suggests integrating specific exercises can help protect athletes from muscle and joint injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Lower body injuries are common in soccer.
- Understanding the knee muscle torque-angle relationship is crucial for injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of a 4-week lower body injury prevention program on the knee muscle torque-angle relationship in soccer players.
Main Methods:
- Twenty male soccer players were divided into a control and training group.
- The training group performed Nordic curls, lunges on a Bosu trainer, and single leg deadlifts three times weekly.
- Maximal peak knee flexion torque was measured at various angles pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in knee muscle torque were observed at 80° (p = .001; d = .94).
- A nonsignificant trend towards improvement was noted at 35° (p = .081; d = .43).
Conclusions:
- The program's modifications may enhance protection against muscle and joint injuries.
- Integrating stable-open and unstable-closed kinetic chain exercises, focusing on eccentric hamstring and knee stabilization, is recommended for team sports athletes' injury prevention programs.
