Influence on Strength and Flexibility of a Swing Phase-Specific Hamstring Eccentric Program in Sprinters' General...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Hamstring injuries are prevalent in sprinters, often occurring during the terminal swing phase.
• Eccentric training is recognized for its efficacy in mitigating hamstring injury rates by addressing key risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of supplementary swing phase-specific hamstring eccentric training in well-trained sprinters.
• To determine if this specialized training improves strength, muscle balance ratios, and flexibility compared to standard training.

Main Methods:

• Twenty sprinters were divided into an eccentric training group (n=10) and a control group (n=10).
• The eccentric group underwent an additional 6-week program of high-load, open-chain hamstring eccentric exercises mimicking the running swing phase.
• Both groups continued their regular track and field training; isokinetic and flexibility assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The eccentric group demonstrated significant increases in concentric and eccentric hamstring peak torques, conventional and functional hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios, and hamstring flexibility.
• The control group showed only minor improvements in eccentric hamstring strength at specific velocities.

Conclusions:

• Swing phase-specific hamstring eccentric training is vital for sprinters to enhance eccentric and concentric strength, improve muscle balance, and increase flexibility.
• This targeted training approach effectively addresses multiple risk factors associated with hamstring strain injuries.