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Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
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Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of variations in Nordic hamstring exercise
Nejc Šarabon1,2, Jan Marušič1, Goran Marković3,4
1University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia.
Plos One
|October 24, 2019
Summary
This study explored variations of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) to optimize hamstring injury prevention. Modified NHE with altered slopes and hip angles showed potential for tailored eccentric strengthening and rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is crucial for hamstring strength and injury prevention.
- Optimizing NHE variations can enhance its effectiveness in rehabilitation and training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biomechanically evaluate novel variations of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE).
- To analyze muscle activity and joint torques across different NHE modifications.
- To assess the potential of NHE variations for hamstring injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Electromyographic and 2D kinematic analysis of 6 NHE variations.
- Participants performed NHE with varying lower leg support slopes (0°, 20°, 40°) and hip flexion angles (0°, 25°, 50°, 75°).
- Muscle activity (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, gluteus maximus, erector spinae, gastrocnemius) and joint torques were measured.
Main Results:
- Increasing lower leg support slope allowed greater range of motion with similar peak torques.
- Increased hip flexion angles (up to 25°) enhanced peak knee and hip torques.
- Muscle activity remained similar or decreased across modified NHE variations compared to the standard NHE.
Conclusions:
- NHE variations can be tailored to individual strength levels for optimized hamstring injury prevention.
- Modified NHE allows for eccentric strengthening at longer hamstring muscle lengths.
- These variations offer a valuable tool for hamstring rehabilitation programs.
