The effect of eccentric hamstring exercise on EMG output in female athletes during a functional landing task
Date
2012
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Decreased activity of the hamstring muscles during landing tasks has been implicated as a potential cause for the disparity in ACL injuries between males and females. Eccentric strength training of the hamstring muscles has been shown to be effective in improving muscle performance and activation. The purpose of this study is to determine if an 8-week eccentric training regimen in conjunction with an athlete’s offseason training program can produce a significant decrease in the time-to-peak EMG activation of the hamstring muscle group during a functional landing task. A total of 38 female intercollegiate athletes participated in this study. All subjects were pre-tested for hamstring muscle activation (time-to-peak EMG) in a functional landing task. The experimental group (ECCT) completed an 8-week training cycle performing two eccentric exercises in addition to their normal training regimen. The control group (CONT) performed their normal off-season training routine. At the completion of the training cycle both ECCT and CONT completed post tests for average time-to-peak EMG activation. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare groups and no significant effect was found in any muscle group. The results revealed that there were no significant differences in time-to-peak EMG between the CONT and ECCT groups. Despite no differences in EMG activity between the groups, both groups improved in their 1RM strength measurement following the training period. Strength and conditioning coaches should explore other eccentric strength training approaches in an attempt to further their capacity to improve muscle activation in the hamstring muscle group, especially in high risk athlete populations. Key Words: activation, strength, conditioning, concentric, functional