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The effect of Nordic hamstring strength training on muscle architecture, stiffness, and strength

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European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Hamstring strain injury is a frequent and serious injury in competitive and recreational sports. While Nordic hamstring (NH) eccentric strength training is an effective hamstring injury-prevention method, the protective mechanism of this exercise is not understood. Strength training increases muscle strength, but also alters muscle architecture and stiffness; all three factors may be associated with reducing muscle injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of NH eccentric strength training on hamstring muscle architecture, stiffness, and strength.

Methods

Twenty healthy participants were randomly assigned to an eccentric training group or control group. Control participants performed static stretching, while experimental participants performed static stretching and NH training for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included: hamstring muscle architecture and stiffness using ultrasound imaging and elastography, and maximal hamstring strength measured on a dynamometer.

Results

The experimental group, but not the control group, increased volume (131.5 vs. 145.2 cm3, p < 0.001) and physiological cross-sectional area (16.1 vs. 18.1 cm2, p = 0.032). There were no significant changes to muscle fascicle length, stiffness, or eccentric hamstring strength.

Conclusions

The NH intervention was an effective training method for muscle hypertrophy, but, contrary to common literature findings for other modes of eccentric training, did not increase fascicle length. The data suggest that the mechanism behind NH eccentric strength training mitigating hamstring injury risk could be increasing volume rather than increasing muscle length. Future research is, therefore, warranted to determine if muscle hypertrophy induced by NH training lowers future hamstring strain injury risk.

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Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Analyses of variance

BFLH:

Biceps femoris long head

ICC:

Intraclass correlation

LOA:

Limits of agreement

NH:

Nordic hamstring

PCSA:

Physiological cross-sectional area

ROI:

Region of interest

SEM:

Standard error of the mean

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kinesiology Department, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA

    Kayla D. Seymore, Zachary J. Domire, Paul DeVita & Patrick M. Rider

  2. Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA

    Anthony S. Kulas

  3. Center for Orthopaedic and Biomechanics Research, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA

    Kayla D. Seymore

Authors
  1. Kayla D. Seymore
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  2. Zachary J. Domire
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  3. Paul DeVita
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  4. Patrick M. Rider
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  5. Anthony S. Kulas
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Correspondence to Kayla D. Seymore.

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Communicated by Olivier Seynnes.

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Seymore, K.D., Domire, Z.J., DeVita, P. et al. The effect of Nordic hamstring strength training on muscle architecture, stiffness, and strength. Eur J Appl Physiol 117, 943–953 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3583-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3583-3

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