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Vicens-Bordas J, Sarand AP, Beato M, Buhmann R. Hamstring Injuries, From the Clinic to the Field: A Narrative Review Discussing Exercise Transfer. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38917984 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2024-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The optimal approach to hamstring training is heavily debated. Eccentric exercises reduce injury risk; however, it is argued that these exercises transfer poorly to improved hamstring function during sprinting. Some argue that other exercises, such as isometric exercises, result in better transfer to running gait and should be used when training to improve performance and reduce injury risk. Given the performance requirements of the hamstrings during the terminal swing phase, where they are exposed to high strain, exercises should aim to improve the torque production during this phase. This should improve the hamstrings' ability to resist overlengthening consequently, improving performance and limiting strain injury. Most hamstring training studies fail to assess running kinematics postintervention. Of the limited evidence available, only eccentric exercises demonstrate changes in swing-phase kinematics following training. Studies of other exercise modalities investigate effects on markers of performance and injury risk but do not investigate changes in running kinematics. CONCLUSIONS Despite being inconsistent with principles of transfer, current evidence suggests that eccentric exercises result in transfer to swing-phase kinematics. Other exercise modalities may be effective, but the effect of these exercises on running kinematics is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Vicens-Bordas
- Sport Performance Analysis Research Group (SPARG) and Sport and Physical Activity Studies Center (CEEAF), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - Ali Parvaneh Sarand
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Buhmann
- School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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Jorge A, Lichtenstein E, Faude O, Roth R. Muscle Activity and Kinematics During Three Hamstring Strengthening Exercises Compared to Sprinting: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2024; 19:569-580. [PMID: 38707851 PMCID: PMC11065773 DOI: 10.26603/001c.116158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During sprinting, the biceps femoris long head predominantly gets injured, while hamstring strengthening exercises predominantly activate the semitendinosus more effectively. Understanding how joint dominance influences hamstring activity may offer clarity on appropriate exercise selection in strengthening programs. Purpose This study compared three hip-dominant hamstring exercises: the rocker, perpetuum mobile fast and slow (PMfast and PMslow) and the Nordic Hamstring exercise (NHE) on their potential to simulate sprint-like activity and kinematics. Methods Muscle activity of the posterior kinetic chain (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, gluteus maximus, and medial gastrocnemius) was measured with surface electromyography (sEMG) during the exercises and treadmill running at 75% of the individual maximal sprint velocity in male athletes. sEMG data were normalized to maximal sprinting. 3D-motion capture was employed to assess hip and knee angles. Results Eight male athletes were included (age: 24.0 years ± SD 2.9; body mass: 76.8 kg ± 7.7; height: 1.79 m ± 0.08). Greater activity of the hamstrings occurred during the explosive exercises ranging from 63.9% [95%CI: 56.3-71.5%] (rocker) to 49.0% [95%CI: 40.4-57.6%] (PMfast) vs. 34.0% [95%CI: 29.1-38.9%] (NHE) to 32.1% [95%CI: 26.9-37.3%] (PMslow). The rocker showed greatest hamstring and gluteus maximus activity. Biceps femoris consistently showed greater activity than the semitendinosus across all exercises in peak (mean difference: 0.16, [95%CI: 0.07-0.26]) and average (mean difference: 0.06, [95%CI: 0.01-0.11]) activity. PMfast, PMslow and NHE demonstrated less hip flexion angle at peak hamstring activity than the rocker and high-speed running and every exercise showed less hamstring elongation stress than during high-speed running. Discussion Hamstring activity is comparable to high-intensity treadmill running for NHE and PMslow, and greater for the rocker and PMfast. Gluteus maximus activity varied, with the rocker and PMfast showing greater activity than in sprinting. All examined exercises demonstrated their peak activity at short hamstring muscle length. Level of evidence 3b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelso Jorge
- Department of Sport, Exercise and HealthUniversity of Basel
| | | | - Oliver Faude
- Department of Sport, Exercise and HealthUniversity of Basel
| | - Ralf Roth
- Department of Sport, Exercise and HealthUniversity of Basel
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Frouin A, Le Sant G, Barbier L, Jacquemin E, McNair PJ, Ellis R, Nordez A, Lacourpaille L. Individual distribution of muscle hypertrophy among hamstring muscle heads: Adding muscle volume where you need is not so simple. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14608. [PMID: 38515303 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine whether a 9-week resistance training program based on high load (HL) versus low load combined with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) induced a similar (i) distribution of muscle hypertrophy among hamstring heads (semimembranosus, SM; semitendinosus, ST; and biceps femoris long head, BF) and (ii) magnitude of tendon hypertrophy of ST, using a parallel randomized controlled trial. METHODS A total of 45 participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: HL, LL-BFR, and control (CON). Both HL and LL-BFR performed a 9-week resistance training program composed of seated leg curl and stiff-leg deadlift exercises. Freehand 3D ultrasound was used to assess the changes in muscle and tendon volume. RESULTS The increase in ST volume was greater in HL (26.5 ± 25.5%) compared to CON (p = 0.004). No difference was found between CON and LL-BFR for the ST muscle volume (p = 0.627). The change in SM muscle volume was greater for LL-BFR (21.6 ± 27.8%) compared to CON (p = 0.025). No difference was found between HL and CON for the SM muscle volume (p = 0.178).There was no change in BF muscle volume in LL-BFR (14.0 ± 16.5%; p = 0.436) compared to CON group. No difference was found between HL and CON for the BF muscle volume (p = 1.0). Regarding ST tendon volume, we did not report an effect of training regimens (p = 0.411). CONCLUSION These results provide evidence that the HL program induced a selective hypertrophy of the ST while LL-BFR induced hypertrophy of SM. The magnitude of the selective hypertrophy observed within each group varied greatly between individuals. This finding suggests that it is very difficult to early determine the location of the hypertrophy among a muscle group.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Frouin
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, Nantes, France
- Institut Sport Atlantique, ISA, Nantes, France
| | - G Le Sant
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, Nantes, France
- School of Physiotherapy, IFM3R, Nantes, France
| | - L Barbier
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, Nantes, France
- School of Physiotherapy, IFM3R, Nantes, France
| | - E Jacquemin
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, Nantes, France
- School of Physiotherapy, IFM3R, Nantes, France
| | - P J McNair
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R Ellis
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Active Living and Rehabilitation: Aotearoa, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A Nordez
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, Nantes, France
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - L Lacourpaille
- Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, Nantes, France
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Crawford SK, Hickey J, Vlisides J, Chambers JS, Mosiman SJ, Heiderscheit BC. The effects of hip- vs. knee-dominant hamstring exercise on biceps femoris morphology, strength, and sprint performance: a randomized intervention trial protocol. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:72. [PMID: 37365624 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00680-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hamstrings are an important muscle group that contribute to horizontal force during sprint acceleration and are also the most injured muscle group in running-based sports. Given the significant time loss associated with hamstrings injury and impaired sprinting performance following return to sport, identifying exercises that drive adaptations that are both protective of strain injury and beneficial to sprint performance is important for the strength and conditioning professional. This paper describes the study protocol investigating the effects of a 6-week training program using either the hip-dominant Romanian deadlift (RDL) or the knee-dominant Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) on hamstring strain injury risk factors and sprint performance. METHODS A permuted block randomized (1:1 allocation) intervention trial will be conducted involving young, physically-active men and women. A target sample size of 32 will be recruited and enrolled participants will undergo baseline testing involving extended-field-of-view ultrasound imaging and shear wave elastography of the biceps femoris long head muscle, maximal hamstrings strength testing in both the RDL and NHE, and on-field sprint performance and biomechanics. Participants will complete the 6-week training intervention using either the RDL or NHE, according to group allocation. Baseline testing will be repeated at the end of the 6-week intervention followed by 2 weeks of detraining and a final testing session. The primary outcome will be regional changes in fascicle length with secondary outcomes including pennation angle, muscle cross sectional area, hamstring strength, and maximal sprint performance and biomechanics. An exploratory aim will determine changes in shear wave velocity. DISCUSSION Despite extensive research showing the benefits of the NHE on reducing hamstring strain injury risk, alternative exercises, such as the RDL, may offer similar or potentially even greater benefits. The findings of this study will aim to inform future researchers and practitioners investigating alternatives to the NHE, such as the RDL, in terms of their effectiveness in reducing rates of hamstring strain injury in larger scale prospective intervention studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05455346; July 15, 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott K Crawford
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Kinesiology, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1300 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Jack Hickey
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Sport Science and Nutrition, Maynooth University, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Jessica Vlisides
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer S Chambers
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samuel J Mosiman
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bryan C Heiderscheit
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Badger Athletic Performance Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Hu Z, Zhang Y, Dong T, Dong M, Kim S, Kim Y. Gender Differences in Neuromuscular Control during the Preparation Phase of Single-Leg Landing Task in Badminton. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093296. [PMID: 37176736 PMCID: PMC10179252 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on the biomechanical mechanisms of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury have been extensively studied, but studies on the neuromuscular control-related risk factors for an ACL injury in specific maneuvers have not been reported for badminton players. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Sixteen badminton players (8 male, 8 female) performed a single-leg badminton ball landing task, and lower limb muscle activity, kinematic data, and ground reaction force were measured during this procedure using marker-based movement analysis, force plates, and electromyography (EMG). Gender differences in the lower limb kinematic data, mean values of normalized lower limb muscle activation (MVC%), and co-contraction values during the landing preparation phase (100 ms before initial contact) were analyzed using MANOVA. RESULTS In the badminton landing task, the knee valgus angle was greater in females than in males (6.27 ± 2.75 vs. 1.72 ± 3.20) in the pre-landing preparation position. Compared to male badminton players, females exhibited greater gluteus maximus (44.92 ± 18.00 vs. 20.34 ± 11.64), rectus femoris (41.56 ± 9.84 vs. 26.14 ± 10.46), and medial gastrocnemius (37.39 ± 17.31 vs. 19.11 ± 11.17) lateral gastrocnemius (36.86 ± 17.82 vs. 13.59 ± 2.71) muscle activity (MVC%). CONCLUSION Female badminton players exhibit neuromuscular control strategies that may be inadequate for ACL protection and may be a potential risk factor for a high incidence of ACL injury In the future, when devising injury prevention plans for female badminton players, optimizing neuromuscular control during the pre-landing phase can be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Hu
- Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Tengfei Dong
- Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Maolin Dong
- Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukwon Kim
- Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsuk Kim
- Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
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Evangelidis PE, Shan X, Otsuka S, Yang C, Yamagishi T, Kawakami Y. Fatigue-induced changes in hamstrings' active muscle stiffness: effect of contraction type and implications for strain injuries. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:833-846. [PMID: 36494585 PMCID: PMC10030419 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05104-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hamstring strain injuries may occur due to differential fatigue and compromised mechanical properties among the hamstring muscles. We examined (1) the effect of fatigue on hamstrings active muscle stiffness, and (2) whether contraction type affects active muscle stiffness changes during a submaximal fatiguing task. METHODS Nine healthy males completed 99 submaximal knee flexions in isometric (ISO), concentric (CON), and eccentric (ECC) conditions. We measured the knee flexor maximal voluntary torque (MVT) (pre/post), shear wave velocity (SWV) during contraction and transverse relaxation times (T2) (pre/post) in biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) muscles. RESULTS MVT decreased substantially after all conditions (- 18.4 to - 33.6%). The average relative torque sustained during the task was lower in CON than ISO and ECC, but absolute torque was similar. SWV interindividual responses were highly variable across muscles and contraction types. On average, BFlh SWV tended to increase in ISO (0.4 m/s, 4.5%, p = 0.064) but decreased in ECC condition (- 0.8 m/s, - 7.7%, p < 0.01). ST SWV decreased in CON (- 1.1 m/s, - 9.0%, p < 0.01), while it remained unchanged in ISO and ECC. SM SWV decreased in CON (- 0.8 m/s, - 8.1%, p < 0.01), but it was unaffected in ISO and variable in ECC. CONCLUSION Fatigue has a differential effect on the mechanical properties of the constituent hamstring muscles, as measured with shear wave elastography, depending upon contraction type. We found preliminary evidence that BFlh is more fatigued than ST or SM during eccentric contractions, which may explain its susceptibility to strain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos E Evangelidis
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Xiyao Shan
- Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Otsuka
- Department of Anatomy, Aichi Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chi Yang
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuo Kawakami
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Activity Distribution Among the Hamstring Muscles During the Nordic Hamstring Exercise: A Multichannel Surface Electromyography Study. J Appl Biomech 2023; 39:69-79. [PMID: 36791725 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2022-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed activity distribution among the hamstring muscles during the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE). The objective was to compare muscle activity between and within muscles during the NHE to add insights in its underlying protective mechanism. Through multichannel electromyography, we measured muscle activity in male basketball players during the NHE. Electromyography was assessed at 15 locations: 5 for biceps femoris long head, 4 for semitendinosus, and 6 for semimembranosus. For each percent of the eccentric phase of the NHE, muscle activity was calculated for each electrode location within each hamstring muscle individually. To quantify whole muscle head activity, means and variances across electrodes within each muscle were calculated. Thirty-five noninjured participants were included (mean age, 18 [2] y; mass, 87 [12] kg; height, 192 [9] cm). Heterogeneous muscle activity was found between 38% and 62% and over the whole eccentric contraction phase within the semitendinosus and the semimembranosus, respectively. Muscle activity of the semitendinosus was significantly higher than that of the biceps femoris long head. During the NHE, the relative contribution of the semitendinosus is the highest among hamstring muscles. Its strong contribution may compensate for the biceps femoris long head, the most commonly injured hamstring muscle head.
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Kositsky A, Barrett RS, du Moulin W, Diamond LE, Saxby DJ. Semitendinosus muscle morphology in relation to surface electrode placement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed and contralateral legs. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:959966. [DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.959966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The semitendinosus tendon is commonly harvested as graft tissue for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Although the semitendinosus tendon can regenerate following harvesting, ACLR results in substantial reductions in semitendinosus muscle size and length, potentially complicating electrode placement for electromyography. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the most commonly used electrode placement [recommended by the “Surface Electromyography for Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles” (SENIAM) project] is appropriate for measuring semitendinosus electromyograms after ACLR. In nine participants (unilateral ACLR with a semitendinosus graft), B-mode ultrasonography was used to bilaterally determine (i) the semitendinosus muscle-tendon junction position and the state of tendon regeneration (latter for the ACLR leg only) and (ii) the anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) of the semitendinosus muscle at the SENIAM-recommended electrode placement site at rest and during isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at two knee joint angles. Depending on the contraction state and joint angle, the semitendinosus muscle had retracted past the recommended placement site in 33–78% of ACLR legs, but not in any contralateral legs. The ACSA of semitendinosus was smaller both at rest and MVC in the ACLR compared to contralateral leg. The ACSA for both legs decreased at MVC compared to rest and at deep compared to shallow knee flexion angles, likely due to sliding of the muscle under the skin. These results suggest SENIAM guidelines are likely unsuitable for recording surface electromyograms from the semitendinosus muscle after tendon harvesting for ACLR as the muscle of interest may not be within the electrode detection volume.
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Kellis E, Blazevich AJ. Hamstrings force-length relationships and their implications for angle-specific joint torques: a narrative review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:166. [PMID: 36064431 PMCID: PMC9446565 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00555-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Temporal biomechanical and physiological responses to physical activity vary between individual hamstrings components as well as between exercises, suggesting that hamstring muscles operate differently, and over different lengths, between tasks. Nevertheless, the force-length properties of these muscles have not been thoroughly investigated. The present review examines the factors influencing the hamstrings’ force-length properties and relates them to in vivo function. A search in four databases was performed for studies that examined relations between muscle length and force, torque, activation, or moment arm of hamstring muscles. Evidence was collated in relation to force-length relationships at a sarcomere/fiber level and then moment arm-length, activation-length, and torque-joint angle relations. Five forward simulation models were also used to predict force-length and torque-length relations of hamstring muscles. The results show that, due to architectural differences alone, semitendinosus (ST) produces less peak force and has a flatter active (contractile) fiber force-length relation than both biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semimembranosus (SM), however BFlh and SM contribute greater forces through much of the hip and knee joint ranges of motion. The hamstrings’ maximum moment arms are greater at the hip than knee, so the muscles tend to act more as force producers at the hip but generate greater joint rotation and angular velocity at the knee for a given muscle shortening length and speed. However, SM moment arm is longer than SM and BFlh, partially alleviating its reduced force capacity but also reducing its otherwise substantial excursion potential. The current evidence, bound by the limitations of electromyography techniques, suggests that joint angle-dependent activation variations have minimal impact on force-length or torque-angle relations. During daily activities such as walking or sitting down, the hamstrings appear to operate on the ascending limbs of their force-length relations while knee flexion exercises performed with hip angles 45–90° promote more optimal force generation. Exercises requiring hip flexion at 45–120° and knee extension 45–0° (e.g. sprint running) may therefore evoke greater muscle forces and, speculatively, provide a more optimum adaptive stimulus. Finally, increases in resistance to stretch during hip flexion beyond 45° result mainly from SM and BFlh muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Kellis
- Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, TEFAA Serres, 62100, Serres, Greece.
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, 6027, Australia
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10
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A Very Low Volume of Nordic Hamstring Exercise Increases Maximal Eccentric Strength and Reduces Hamstring Injury Rate in Professional Soccer Players. J Sport Rehabil 2022; 31:1061-1066. [PMID: 35894913 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether the inclusion of a very low volume (1 set of 3 maximal repetitions) of eccentric-biased Nordic hamstring program of 21 weeks induced an increase in maximal eccentric strength and whether its magnitude was influenced by the compliance rate. The secondary aim of this study was to determine whether this eccentric-biased Nordic hamstring program was effective at reducing hamstring injury rate. Twenty-three professional soccer players formed the experimental group and undertook regular in-season hamstring strength training and monitoring for 21 weeks. Data from 23 players in the immediately preceding cohort (previous year) were included as a control group. The subdivision of the experimental group revealed that the high compliance subgroup (∼13 d between sessions) exhibited higher changes in maximal eccentric strength compared with the low compliance group (∼24 d between sessions; +26.5%; 95% confidence interval, 7.1%-45.9%; P < .001; g = 1.2). Five hamstring injuries (22%) were recorded in the experimental group and 9 (39%) in the control group, corresponding to a nonsignificant 2.7-fold lower risk (P = .12) of suffering hamstring injury in the experimental group. The current study demonstrates that the inclusion of a very low volume of eccentric-biased Nordic hamstring program for 21 weeks induced an increase in maximal eccentric strength (∼15%) in professional soccer players, the magnitude of which depended on the players' compliance. We also found that this program was efficient (2.7-fold lower risk), although nonsignificant, at reducing hamstring injury rate in professional soccer players.
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11
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Goreau V, Pigne R, Bernier N, Nordez A, Hug F, Lacourpaille L. Hamstring muscle activation strategies during eccentric contractions are related to the distribution of muscle damage. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022; 32:1335-1345. [PMID: 35611628 PMCID: PMC9541962 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Large inter‐individual variability of activation strategies is observed during hamstring strengthening exercises but their consequences remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to determine whether individual activation strategies are related to the distribution of damage across the hamstring muscle heads semimembranosus (SM), semitendinosus (ST), and biceps femoris (BF) after eccentric contractions. 24 participants performed 5 sets of 15 maximal eccentric contractions of knee flexors on a dynamometer, while activation of each muscle head was assessed using surface electromyography. Knee flexion maximal isometric strength was assessed before exercise and 48 h afterward. Shear modulus was measured using shear wave elastography before exercise and 30 min afterward to quantify the distribution of damage across the hamstring muscle heads. At 48 h, maximal knee flexion torque had decreased by 15.9% ± 16.9% (p < 0.001). Although no differences between activation ratios of each muscle were found during the eccentric exercise (all p > 0.364), we reported a heterogeneous distribution of damage, with a larger change in shear modulus of ST/Hams than SM/Hams (+70.8%, p < 0.001) or BF/Hams (+50.3%, p < 0.001). A large correlation was found between the distribution of activation and the distribution of damage for ST/Hams (r = 0.69; p < 001). This study provides evidence that the distribution of activation during maximal eccentric contractions has mechanical consequences for synergist muscles. Further studies are needed to understand whether individual activation strategies influence the distribution of structural adaptations after a training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Goreau
- Movement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, UR 4334, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Robin Pigne
- Movement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, UR 4334, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Nathan Bernier
- CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France.,CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Antoine Nordez
- Movement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, UR 4334, Nantes Université, Nantes, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - François Hug
- Movement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, UR 4334, Nantes Université, Nantes, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.,LAMHESS, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Lilian Lacourpaille
- Movement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, UR 4334, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
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Nestin and osteocrin mRNA increases in human semitendinosus myotendinous junction 7 days after a single bout of eccentric exercise. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:49-64. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02101-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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