The effect of pre-exercise Nordic hamstring exercise on hamstring neuromuscular response during soccer-specific...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is widely used to enhance eccentric hamstring strength.
• Emerging research indicates a potential link between pre-exercise NHE and increased injury risk during subsequent activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of pre-exercise NHE on hamstring electromyographical (EMG) activity during a soccer-specific protocol.
• To determine if performing NHE before exercise influences hamstring muscle activation patterns.

Main Methods:

• Ten male soccer players participated in an experimental trial involving NHE sets before a 45-minute soccer protocol.
• Electromyographic (EMG) data of the biceps femoris muscle were recorded during pre- and post-exercise NHE and the soccer protocol.
• EMG responses were analyzed for integrated, mean, and peak amplitude to assess muscle activation and fatigue.

Main Results:

• A significant main effect for time was observed in the soccer-specific protocol, with higher EMG values in the initial 15 minutes, indicating fatigue.
• No significant trial-by-time interaction was found, suggesting pre-exercise NHE did not alter the fatigue response during the soccer protocol.
• No significant differences in EMG responses were observed between trials for pre-exercise or post-exercise NHE.

Conclusions:

• Pre-exercise Nordic hamstring exercise does not appear to impair the electromyographical response of the hamstrings during subsequent soccer-specific exercise.
• The findings suggest that NHE can be integrated into training regimens without compromising hamstring muscle activation or increasing fatigue during soccer-specific activities.
• While prior studies hint at potential strength impairments, this research indicates no detrimental effect on hamstring EMG response.