ABSTRACT
This randomised controlled trial investigated changes in eccentric hamstring strength, 10m sprint speed, and change-of-direction (COD) performance immediately post Nordic hamstring curl (NHC) intervention and following a 3-week detraining period.
Fourteen male team sports athletes were randomised to a do-as-usual control group (CG; n = 7) or to a NHC intervention group (NHC; n = 7). Isokinetic dynamometry at 180°/s evaluated eccentric hamstring strength immediately post-intervention as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included 10 m sprint time and COD. Each outcome was measured, pre, immediately post-intervention and following a 3-week detraining period.
Immediately post-intervention significant group differences were observed in the NHC group for eccentric hamstring strength (31.81 Nm−1 vs. 6.44 Nm−1, P = 0.001), COD (−0.12 s vs. 0.20 s; P = 0.003) and sprint (- 0.06 s vs. 0.05 s; P = 0.024) performance. Performance improvements were maintained following a detraining period for COD (−0.11 s vs. 0.20 s; P = 0.014) and sprint (−0.05 s vs. 0.03 s, P = 0.031) but not eccentric hamstring strength (15.67 Nm−1 vs. 6.44 Nm−1, P = 0.145) These findings have important implications for training programmes designed to reduce hamstring injury incidence, whilst enhancing physical qualities critical to sport.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.