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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 4/2016

01-04-2016 | Original Article

Nordic hamstring exercise training alters knee joint kinematics and hamstring activation patterns in young men

Authors: Eamonn Delahunt, Mark McGroarty, Giuseppe De Vito, Massimiliano Ditroilo

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the kinematic and muscle activation adaptations during performance of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) to a 6-week eccentric hamstring training programme using the NHE as the sole mode of exercise.

Methods

Twenty-nine healthy males were randomly allocated to a control (CG) or intervention (IG) group. The IG participated in a 6-week eccentric hamstring exercise programme using the NHE.

Results

The findings of the present study were that a 6-week eccentric hamstring training programme improved eccentric hamstring muscle strength (202.4 vs. 177.4 nm, p = 0.0002, Cohen’s d = 0.97) and optimized kinematic (longer control of the forward fall component of the NHE, 68.1° vs. 73.7°, p = 0.022, Cohen's d = 0.90) and neuromuscular parameters (increased electromyographic activity of the hamstrings, 83.2 vs. 56.6 % and 92.0 vs. 54.2 %, p < 0.05, Cohen's d > 1.25) associated with NHE performance.

Conclusion

This study provides some insight into potential mechanisms by which an eccentric hamstring exercise programme utilizing the NHE as the mode of exercise may result in an improvement in hamstring muscle control during eccentric contractions.
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Metadata
Title
Nordic hamstring exercise training alters knee joint kinematics and hamstring activation patterns in young men
Authors
Eamonn Delahunt
Mark McGroarty
Giuseppe De Vito
Massimiliano Ditroilo
Publication date
01-04-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3325-3

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