Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Persistent hamstring overactivation during squats after surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsions in an
Marlene Mauch1, Corina Nüesch2, Linda Bühl3
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Switzerland.
Background:
Modified non-anatomical tendon refixation techniques may lessen ischial irritation in older, non-athletic patients with complete proximal hamstring avulsions, yet their neuromuscular effects remain uncertain. The objective of this study was to assess muscle function during the eccentric, isometric, and concentric phases of squatting task.
Methods:
Twelve patients (median age, 64.2 years) were analyzed at a median follow-up of 46.2 months post-surgery. Muscle activity of the semitendinosus (ST), biceps femoris (BF), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus lateralis (VL) was recorded during three squats. EMG intensities were quantified as root mean square (RMS) values and normalized to maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Antagonist co-contraction was analyzed as an indicator of joint stability. Side-to-side differences were examined using the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05), and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated to assess the relevance of any detected differences.
Findings:
BF activity was higher on the affected side during both the eccentric (12.6% vs. 5.9% MVC, p = 0.016, d = 1.923) and isometric phases (14.2% vs. 8.5% MVC, p = 0.041, d = 1.463). No side differences were found for VL and VM. Antagonist co-contraction (VL-BF) was significantly higher on the affected side during the eccentric phase (78.4% vs. 39.5%, p = 0.021, d = 1.792).
Interpretation:
The increased hamstring activation and higher VL-BF co-contraction on the affected side may reflect ongoing neuromuscular adaptations after surgery. While these asymmetries could indicate a need for targeted rehabilitation focusing on balanced hamstring function and eccentric control, their relevance for clinical decision-making and recovery monitoring remains to be further established.
