The effect of eccentric exercise on the optimum length of hamstrings in collegiate athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if an eccentric exercise-training regimen in conjunction with an athlete’s offseason exercise program can produce a significant shift in optimum length of the hamstrings in athletes of different sports with diverse training protocols. Thirty-one athletes were randomly assigned to an eccentric exercise-training group (EG) or a control group (CG). Over a 7-week period the EG performed two eccentric exercises while the CG performed a stretching protocol over this time in addition to their normal training routine. Isokinetic-testing was performed pre and post intervention to determine optimum length. Significant attrition lead to an inability to report a significant group by time interaction between the EG and CG (F1,13= 2.27, p= .156). Examination of simple main effects determined there was a significant shift of optimum length in the EG (t= 2.725, p= .030). No significant changes were seen in the optimum length of the CG or normalized concentric and eccentric peak torque values in both groups. In conclusion, 7 weeks of additional eccentric exercise training shifted the angle of peak torque closer to knee extension in the EG, increasing the optimum length of the hamstrings in Division I football, baseball, and lacrosse athletes.