THE INFLUENCE OF ECCENTRIC HAMSTRING STRENGTH ON HAMSTRING MUSCLE ACTIVATION LEVELS WHEN SPRINTING IN SOCCER

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish an understanding of the effect eccentric hamstring strength programmes have on muscle activation levels during a 20m sprint in soccer players. Reasoning for the study to be investigated was due to previous literature which has stated eccentric hamstring training decreases hamstring strains, however there is no evidence to state why this occurs. The present study aimed to progress from previous studies trying to achieve some explanations to why eccentric strength decreases hamstring strains. The study worked with eleven subjects who were part of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff boy’s second soccer team. A five week programme was introduced focusing specifically on Nordic hamstring curl exercise, baseline measures were taken before and after the programme observing the muscle activation levels. Using the raw data to conduct dependant T tests, allowed the pre and post results to be compared examining the effects the eccentric hamstring strength training had upon muscle activation levels. The results illustrated that the five week programme produced insignificant results, therefore failing to state that muscle activation levels increase when training the hamstrings eccentrically. However the study could have underlined that eccentric training is more effective over an extensive period of time. The study also found further areas to investigate, looking into the neural response when training eccentrically