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Updated: Aug 17, 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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Effect of two eccentric hamstring exercises on muscle architectural characteristics assessed with diffusion tensor
Jozef J M Suskens1,2,3, Laura Secondulfo2,4, Özgür Kiliç1,2,3
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|December 14, 2022
Summary
The Nordic hamstring exercise increased semitendinosus fascicle length, while the Diver hamstring exercise altered biceps femoris long head fascicle orientation. Combining these exercises may help prevent hamstring injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Imaging Techniques
Background:
- Hamstring injuries are common in athletes, particularly basketball players.
- Understanding muscle fascicle adaptations to exercise is crucial for injury prevention strategies.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) offers a non-invasive method to assess muscle fascicle characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Nordic and Diver hamstring exercises on hamstring muscle fascicle length and orientation.
- To compare the adaptations induced by Nordic and Diver hamstring exercises using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI).
Main Methods:
- A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving injury-free male basketball players.
- Participants were assigned to either a Nordic hamstring exercise group, a Diver hamstring exercise group, or a control group.
- Muscle fascicle length and orientation of the biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus were measured using DTI-MRI.
Main Results:
- The Nordic hamstring exercise group showed a significant increase in semitendinosus fascicle length compared to the control group.
- The Diver hamstring exercise group exhibited a significant decrease in biceps femoris long head fascicle orientation compared to the control group.
- No significant changes were observed in the semimembranosus muscle for either intervention.
Conclusions:
- Nordic hamstring exercises effectively increase semitendinosus fascicle length.
- Diver hamstring exercises significantly alter biceps femoris long head fascicle orientation.
- The complementary nature of both exercises suggests a combined approach may enhance hamstring injury prevention.
