Does the eccentric Nordic Hamstring exercise have an effect on
isokinetic muscle strength imbalance and dynamic jumping performance in female
rugby union players?
Affiliations: [a] Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Sport and
Exercise Sciences, Roehampton University, London, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Sara M. Anastasi, Whitelands
College, Holybourne Avenue, London SW15 4JD, UK. Tel.: +44 20 8546 5643; Fax:
+44 20 8392 3531; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an eccentric
hamstring specific training programme on the percentage of bilateral muscle
strength imbalance and maximal vertical jump height. Twenty-four, injury free
female rugby union players took part in this study. Participants were split
into two groups; intervention group (Nordic Hamstring (NH) (n=13) and control group (n=11)). Both groups
completed normal training; the NH group completed a concurrent NH programme for
10 weeks. Pre and post-training concentric/concentric isokinetic testing of
peak torque was performed for hamstrings of both legs at
60°/s. Vertical jump height was also assessed. In the
NH group, there was a significant decrease in mean percentage bilateral
hamstring strength imbalance (pre=10.39 ±
3.53, post=4.63 ± 2.81, p < 0.05). There was also a significant increase in vertical
jump height for the NH group (pre=31.22 ± 4.8 cm, post=35.93 ± 4.5
cm, p < 0.05). The NH programme caused favourable
adaptations to bilateral hamstring strength imbalance and dynamic lower body
performance. A programme based on NH exercise is potentially an effective
preventive and rehabilitation tool for hamstring injury.
