Affiliations: [a] School of Physical Education and Sports, Mustafa Kemal
University, Hatay, Turkey | [b] Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty
of Education, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey | [c] Middle East Technical University, Medical Center,
Ankara, Turkey
Note: [] Corresponding author: Yasar Salci, Mustafa Kemal University,
Campus of Tayfur Sokmen, The School of Physical Education and Sports, Hatay,
Turkey. Tel.: +90 326 2455205/5057; Fax: +90 326 2455216; E-mail: ysalci@yahoo.com
Abstract: Hamstring training involving eccentric loading is an important
protective factor in hamstring injuries. However, the effect of this mode of
training on lower extremity loading in landing maneuver performance is unknown.
The purpose of this study was to examine variations in eccentric hamstring
strength after 10-weeks training program and the possible changes in landing
kinetics. Twenty five recreational female athletes were voluntarily assigned to
the Nordic Hamstraing Strength Training (N=13) or control
groups (N=12). The training group performed 10-weeks
eccentric hamstring strength training program. Baseline measures of landing
kinetics were collected using a force plate while strength data was evaluated
using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results indicated that NHST group increased
their eccentric hamstring strength (pre=2.34 ± 0.28, post=2.57 ± 0.25
Nm/kgbw; p < 0.05) after training program albeit without
changes in the dynamic control ratio. There were also significant decreases in
peak anterior-posterior ground reaction force (PAPGRF; pre=1.14 ± 0.21 BW, post=0.85
± 0.27 BW; p< 0.05) and peak vertical
ground reaction force (PVGRF; pre=6.27 ±
1.00 BW, post=5.34 ± 1.01
BW; p < 0.05) scores for NHST group. The present study
supports the positive effect of eccentric hamstring strength in altering
landing kinetics in order to decrease the applied forces.
