Acute adaptations and subsequent preservation of strength and speed measures following a Nordic hamstring curl intervention: a randomised controlled trial. Issue 8 (18th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siddle, James; Greig, Matt; Weaver, Kristian; Page, Richard Michael; Harper, Damian; Brogden, Christopher Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 37:Issue 8(2019)
• Page Start: 911
• Page End: 920
• Publication Date: 2019-04-18
• Subjects: Change-of-direction -- eccentric strength -- hamstring -- performance -- resistance training; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1535786
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

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.