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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
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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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Associations Among Eccentric Hamstrings Strength, Hamstrings Stiffness, and Jump-Landing Biomechanics
Derek R Dewig1, Jonathan S Goodwin2, Brian G Pietrosimone1
1MOTION Science Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Journal of Athletic Training
|May 21, 2020
Summary
Eccentric hamstrings strength may reduce anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading during landings. However, it does not accurately estimate hamstrings stiffness, a key factor in ACL injury risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk is linked to landing biomechanics.
- Hamstrings stiffness correlates with reduced ACL loading but is clinically difficult to assess.
- Eccentric hamstrings strength offers a clinically feasible alternative for assessing hamstrings function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between eccentric hamstrings strength, hamstrings stiffness, and landing biomechanics relevant to ACL injury risk.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in a research laboratory setting.
- 34 healthy, active participants (22 female, 12 male) were assessed.
- Measurements included eccentric hamstrings strength, active hamstrings stiffness, and landing biomechanics during double- and single-legged landings.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between hamstrings stiffness and eccentric hamstrings strength.
- Hamstrings stiffness did not correlate with landing biomechanics.
- Greater eccentric hamstrings strength was associated with reduced vertical ground reaction force and less internal knee-varus moment during single-leg landings.
Conclusions:
- Eccentric hamstrings strength correlates with biomechanical factors that may reduce ACL injury risk.
- Eccentric hamstrings strength is not a reliable clinical surrogate for active hamstrings stiffness.
- Further research is needed to explore the clinical utility of eccentric hamstrings strength in ACL injury prevention.
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