A Comparison of Hip Extension and Nordic Hamstring Exercise Programmes on Isokinetic Hamstring Strength

Dublin City University26 enrolled

Overview

This study aimed to compare the effect of two hamstring strengthening programmes on hamstring muscle strength in Gaelic footballers. 26 Gaelic footballers were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two 4-week hamstring strengthening programmes, namely the hip extension exercise programme and the Nordic hamstring exercise protocol. Isokinetic hamstring and quadriceps strength were measured before and after the intervention.

Recruitment: Participants were recruited from the local university sports clubs. Club chairpersons were asked to send an email to club players. Players interested in participating in the study expressed an interest by replying to the email. Potential participants were asked to attend a meeting where they had the study explained to them. Those who were interested were then assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group allocation: A four block randomisation method was used to allocate participants to the Nordic hamstring exercise protocol or the hip extension exercise protocol. Interventions: The Nordic hamstring exercise protocol or the hip extension exercise protocol Testing procedure: The isokinetic strength of the participants' hamstrings and quadriceps were recorded before and after the exercise intervention. A 10 point visual analogue scale was used to record the level of muscle soreness experienced after each training session.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Hamstring Injury

Interventions

Nordic hamstring exerciseOTHER

The exercise protocol consisted of the following sets and repetitions Week 1 - 2 sessions with 2 sets of 6 repetitions. Week 2 - 2 sessions with 3 sets of 6 repetitions Week 3 - 2 sessions with 4 sets of 8 repetitions. Week 4 - 2 sessions with 4 sets of 10 repetitions.

Hip extension exerciseOTHER

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * male * free from hamstring injury in the 6 months prior to the study * currently playing Gaelic football at a varsity level on at least three occasions per week Exclusion Criteria: * history of a hip or knee injury in the 3 months prior to the study * a history of anterior cruciate ligament rupture * a history of involvement in a hamstring strengthening, injury prevention programme in the 3 months prior to the study.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Peak isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength at 60°.s-1

This was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer

Time frame: Change from baseline assessment at six weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Functional hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio at 60°.s-1

This was calculated by dividing the peak isokinetic, eccentric hamstring strength at 60°.s-1 by the peak isokinetic, concentric quadriceps strength at 60°.s-1

Time frame: Change from baseline assessment at six weeks

Between limb, isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength asymmetries

Between limb eccentric strength percentage asymmetries were calculated as a non-dominant/dominant ratio converted to percentage difference using log transformation.

Time frame: Change from baseline assessment at six weeks

Muscle soreness rating following exercise

Participants used a 10 point visual analogue scale to record the level of muscle soreness experienced after training sessions. The scale consisted of a single scale of 0 to 10 where 0 was no soreness at all and 10 was the greatest soreness they could imagine. A higher score indicated a worse outcome. There are no subscales included in this.

Time frame: 1 minute at the end of each intervention session

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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