Effects of a low volume injury prevention program on the hamstring torque angle relationship

Res Sports Med. 2013;21(3):253-63. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2013.792089.

Abstract

The effects of a 4-week lower body injury prevention program on knee muscle torque-angle relationship were examined in soccer players. Twenty men were randomly allocated to either a control (n = 10) or training group (n = 10). The training group underwent three training sessions per week, comprising 3 sets of 8 repetitions of one open-chain exercise (Nordic curl) and two closed-chain exercises-forward lunges on a Bosu balance trainer and eccentric single leg dead lifts. Maximal peak knee flexion torque was measured at 35°, 45°, 60°, 80°, 90°, and 100° pre- and post-intervention. Significant improvements were observed only at 80° (p = .001; d = .94) along with a nonsignificant trend at 35° (p = .081; d = .43). As these modifications might protect athletes against muscle and joint injuries, the use of both stable-open and unstable-closed kinetic chain exercises emphasizing eccentric hamstring and knee stabilization actions should be integrated into injury prevention programs in team sports athletes.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Knee Joint / physiology*
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Program Evaluation
  • Resistance Training / methods*
  • Soccer
  • Torque
  • Young Adult