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Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Differences in Hamstring Muscle-Tendon Unit Geometry and Function Between Elite Sprint and Jump Athletes and
Stephanie L Lazarczuk1,2,3, Andrea H Hams2,3, Phillip M Bellinger2,4
1Department of Sport and Health, Southampton Solent University, Southampton, UK.
Elite athletes possess larger hamstring muscles and a higher proportion of Type II muscle fibers compared to recreationally active individuals. These anatomical differences significantly enhance sprint and strength performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology
- Muscle Anatomy and Physiology
Background:
- Hamstring muscle-tendon geometry and fiber type composition are crucial for athletic performance.
- Previous research has not comprehensively compared these characteristics between elite athletes and recreationally active individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare hamstring muscle-tendon geometry and muscle fiber typology between elite sprinters/jumpers and recreationally active individuals.
- To investigate the relationship between these hamstring characteristics and sprint/strength performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy to assess hamstring muscle-tendon geometry (cross-sectional area/volume) and muscle typology (proportion of Type I/II fibers).
- Included elite sprint/jump athletes (n=15) and recreationally active individuals (n=15).
- Conducted sprint and eccentric knee flexor strength testing.
Main Results:
- Elite athletes exhibited significantly larger hamstring muscles, including specific aponeuroses and free tendons, compared to the control group.
- Elite athletes demonstrated a higher estimated proportion of Type II muscle fibers (1.5 times greater).
- Hamstring geometry and typology explained a substantial variance in maximal sprint speed (R²=0.65) and eccentric knee flexor strength (R²=0.59).
Conclusions:
- Elite sprinters and jumpers possess distinct hamstring structural (larger muscles, tendons, aponeuroses) and compositional (higher Type II fiber proportion) characteristics.
- These adaptations are strongly associated with superior sprint and strength capabilities.
- Findings highlight the importance of hamstring morphology for elite athletic performance.
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