Do you want to bulletproof your hamstrings?
Hamstring strains are the most common muscle injury in sports, yet the precise mechanisms underlying these injuries remain poorly understood.
This study aims to shed light on the factors protecting hamstring muscles from damage. By investigating changes in muscle activation patterns with eccentric training, we seek to uncover insights into how eccentric training may protect hamstring muscles from injury.
In this study, participants will complete a 9-week Nordic hamstring exercise program, followed by 3 weeks of detraining. Muscle activation changes will be assessed through High-Density Electromyography measurements and force evaluations using a dynamometer. Training sessions last approximately 10-15 minutes. Testing sessions take place in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, with a duration of about two hours.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Males and females aged 18-45 years
- Recreationally active
- No pre-existing hamstring injuries or conditions
Exclusion Criteria:
- Existing neurological conditions or muscle degenerative disorders or motor impairments of the lower limb (e.g., muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy)
- Any serious lower limb injury in the past twelve months (e.g., any grade of hamstring tear, broken leg, torn cruciate ligament, torn ankle ligaments)
- Allergies or skin conditions aggravated by skin preparation for electrodes
Participant benefits
As a participant, you will receive $100 as a token of appreciation and compensation. Additionally, once data processing is finalised, we'll provide you with valuable insights into the strength of your hamstrings during the exercises you performed.
Register your interest
If you would like to participate in this study, please contact Max Andrews via email max.andrews@uq.edu.au.
This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [2023/HE001835].