Hamstring force and stretch during progressively increasing running speeds and the eccentric phase of resistance training exercises commonly used for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Key Points

1. Hamstring exercises differ considerably in both the force and stretch experienced by individual hamstring muscles.

All key points available for members only

Start free trial

Or log in here

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Exercise selection is central to hamstring injury rehabilitation and prevention. However, much of our understanding of different exercises has historically been informed by surface electromyography (EMG). EMG primarily reflects neural activity rather than the mechanical loading experienced by the underlying tissue, while muscle force is also influenced by muscle length, contraction velocity and passive force contribution.

Musculoskeletal modelling may provide additional information by estimating muscle specific force and stretch while accounting for these relationships. This study therefore aimed to compare the force and musculotendinous stretch experienced by the biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semimembranosus and semitendinosus during seven commonly prescribed resistance exercises and progressively increasing running speeds.

Exercise selection is central to hamstring injury rehabilitation and prevention.

The Nordic and slider exercises produce high force with low stretch, while the RDL and unilateral bridge produce high force with high stretch, understanding this can help clinicians tailor loading progressions to tissue tolerance and rehabilitation stage.

METHODS

• This cross-sectional laboratory study included 20 resistance trained, recreationally active adults, comprising 10 males and 10 females.

Start free trial

to unlock full access to this review and 1337 more

Or log in here