THE ROLE OF ECCENTRIC STRENGTH EXERCISES IN INJURY PREVENTION OF HAMSTRING STRAINS IN TRACK AND FIELD SPRINTERS

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of a six week eccentric hamstring muscle strength training intervention upon subsequent eccentric hamstring muscle strength performance and injury prevention of hamstring strains. Method: 11 regional and university level 400 metre track and field sprinters, (mean ± S: age 20.09 ± 1.76 years, height 174.82 ± 1.76 cm, body mass 72.10 ± 8.33 kg, 400 metre performance 54.18 ± 3.92 seconds) volunteered to take part in the study. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the participants’ unilateral eccentric hamstring muscle strength peak torque (Nm) and concentric quadriceps muscle strength peak torque (Nm) at an angular velocity of 60 degrees per second (˚/s-1), prior and subsequent to a six week eccentric hamstring muscle strength training intervention. Bi-lateral eccentric hamstring muscle strength peak torque, percentage bi-lateral eccentric hamstring muscle strength deficit and functional hamstring muscle strength imbalance ratios were analysed using a paired T-test, to compare any significant differences in the performance variables following the training intervention. Results: The results reported no significant differences in any of the variables following the six week eccentric hamstring muscle strength training intervention. Bilateral eccentric hamstring muscle strength peak torque (p> 0.239), percentage bilateral eccentric hamstring muscle strength deficit (p> 0.075) and functional hamstring muscle strength imbalance ratios (p> 0.259) were all above the (p<0.05) value. Conclusion: Consequently, it appears the use of six week eccentric hamstring muscle strength training intervention had no significant effect on the eccentric hamstring muscle strength characteristics in 400 metre track and field sprinters. However, due to the large multitude of factors affecting eccentric hamstring muscle strength performance, these results should prompt further research on divergent populations.