Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the Askling L-Protocol for hamstring training

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Hamstring injuries are prevalent in field sports, necessitating effective rehabilitation.
• Eccentric strength training is crucial for hamstring rehabilitation.
• The Askling L-Protocol is a specific eccentric exercise program for hamstring injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomechanical and neuromuscular mechanisms underlying the efficacy of the Askling L-Protocol.
• To analyze the kinematic and electromyographic responses during the Askling L-Protocol exercises.

Main Methods:

• Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of three Askling L-Protocol exercises (extender, diver, glider).
• Eleven healthy participants performed the exercises while muscle activation and joint motion were recorded.
• Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) data was collected for normalization.

Main Results:

• The glider exercise induced maximal hamstring muscle contraction (up to 60% MVC) at hip and knee flexion angles similar to the running swing phase.
• No significant difference in hamstring activation was found between the diver and glider exercises.
• The extender exercise resulted in hamstring stretching with minimal activation.

Conclusions:

• The Askling L-Protocol effectively targets hamstring eccentric contractions at functionally relevant joint angles.
• The exercises train hamstrings for co-activation, utilizing similar muscle modules for both movement propulsion and stabilization.
• These findings provide mechanistic insight into the protocol's success in reducing hamstring injury recurrence.