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Hamstrings force-length relationships and their implications for angle-specific joint torques: a narrative review.

Eleftherios Kellis1, Anthony J Blazevich2

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Summary

Hamstring muscles function differently based on exercise and length. This review explores their force-length properties, revealing how semitendinosus, biceps femoris long head, and semimembranosus contribute to movement and optimal exercise selection.

Keywords:
Biceps femorisBiomechanicsExerciseInjuryMuscle mechanicsSemimembranosusSemitendinosus

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Human Physiology
  • Sports Science

Background:

  • Hamstring muscles exhibit varied biomechanical and physiological responses during physical activity.
  • Individual hamstring components (semitendinosus, biceps femoris long head, semimembranosus) and their operating lengths differ between tasks.
  • The force-length properties of hamstring muscles are not fully understood in relation to their in vivo function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review factors influencing hamstring force-length properties.
  • To relate these properties to in vivo hamstring function during different movements and exercises.
  • To identify optimal exercise parameters for hamstring muscle force generation and adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search across four databases for studies on hamstring force, torque, activation, and moment arm.
  • Collated evidence on force-length relationships at sarcomere/fiber and whole-muscle levels.
  • Utilized five forward simulation models to predict hamstring force-length and torque-length relationships.

Main Results:

  • Architectural differences cause semitendinosus (ST) to produce less peak force than biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semimembranosus (SM).
  • BFlh and SM contribute more force across various hip and knee joint ranges.
  • Hamstring moment arms are larger at the hip than knee, influencing force production versus joint rotation.
  • SM's longer moment arm compensates for reduced force capacity but limits excursion potential.
  • Evidence suggests minimal impact of activation variations on force-length/torque-angle relations.
  • Daily activities utilize ascending force-length limbs; specific knee flexion exercises (45-90° hip flexion) optimize force generation.

Conclusions:

  • Hamstring muscles, particularly BFlh and SM, are key force producers, with ST having a distinct force-length profile.
  • Exercise selection, especially involving hip flexion (45-120°) and knee extension (45-0°), can optimize hamstring force generation and adaptive stimulus.
  • Understanding these force-length dynamics is crucial for targeted training and injury prevention.