A Comparison of Hip Extension and Nordic Hamstring Exercise Programmes on Isokinetic Hamstring Strength
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Dublin City University
- Enrollment
- 26
- Primary Endpoint
- Peak isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength at 60°.s-1
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study aimed to compare the effect of two hamstring strengthening programmes on hamstring muscle strength in Gaelic footballers. 26 Gaelic footballers were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two 4-week hamstring strengthening programmes, namely the hip extension exercise programme and the Nordic hamstring exercise protocol. Isokinetic hamstring and quadriceps strength were measured before and after the intervention.
Detailed Description
Recruitment:
Participants were recruited from the local university sports clubs. Club chairpersons were asked to send an email to club players. Players interested in participating in the study expressed an interest by replying to the email. Potential participants were asked to attend a meeting where they had the study explained to them. Those who were interested were then assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Group allocation:
A four block randomisation method was used to allocate participants to the Nordic hamstring exercise protocol or the hip extension exercise protocol.
Interventions:
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Basic Science
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
The principal investigator responsible for the statistical analysis was blinded to the group allocation of participants
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 35 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •free from hamstring injury in the 6 months prior to the study
- •currently playing Gaelic football at a varsity level on at least three occasions per week
Exclusion Criteria
- •history of a hip or knee injury in the 3 months prior to the study
- •a history of anterior cruciate ligament rupture
- •a history of involvement in a hamstring strengthening, injury prevention programme in the 3 months prior to the study.
Arms & Interventions
Nordic Hamstring Exercise Group
Participants were required to kneel on a gym mat keeping their hips in a slightly flexed position and to slowly lower themselves in a controlled manner as far as they could towards the ground. When they could no longer lower themselves as such, they were instructed to utilise their arms to buffer the fall and touch their chest off the ground, while maintaining tension in their hamstrings. Once their chest touched the ground they were instructed to immediately return to the starting position by pushing up with their hands.
Intervention: Nordic hamstring exercise (Other)
Hip Extension Exercise Group
The participant lay on an exercise bench at a 45° angle with their hips held just over the top of the bench, their trunk erect and hips extended and their heel supported. Participants slowly flexed their hip until they reached 90° from the starting position and were then required to return to the starting position by extending through the hip while maintaining a neutral pelvic and trunk posture throughout. This exercise was then repeated on the opposite leg
Intervention: Hip extension exercise (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Peak isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength at 60°.s-1
Time Frame: Change from baseline assessment at six weeks
This was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer
Secondary Outcomes
- Functional hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio at 60°.s-1(Change from baseline assessment at six weeks)
- Between limb, isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength asymmetries(Change from baseline assessment at six weeks)
- Muscle soreness rating following exercise(1 minute at the end of each intervention session)