Decrease in eccentric hamstring strength among runners in the Tirol Speed Marathon

Arnold Koller ^1*, Christian Haid ¹ and Wolfgang Schobersberger ²

¹ Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
² University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology Hall, Austria

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: arnold.koller{at}uklibk.ac.at.

Accepted 22 June 2006

Abstract

Background: The local muscular endurance of knee flexors, in particular during eccentric work, is important in preventing or delaying kinematic changes associated with fatigue during during treadmill running. This result however may not be transferable to overground running.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that overground running is associated with eccentric hamstring fatigue.

Methods: 13 subjects (12 male runners and 1 female runner) performed an isokinetic muscle test 3 to 4 days before and 18 hours after a marathon. Both legs were tested and the testing protocol consisted of concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring contractions.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between pre- and postrace peak torques, except eccentric peak hamstring torques (both thighs).

Conclusion: Overground running (running a marathon) is associated with eccentric hamstring fatigue. Eccentric hamstring fatigue may be a potential risk factor for knee injury and soft-tissue-type injuries during running. Eccentric hamstring training should therefore be introduced as an integral part of the training program of runners.

Key Words: concentric, fatigue, musculoskeletal injury

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