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Conceptual Framework for Strengthening Exercises to Prevent Hamstring Strains

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Abstract

High-speed running accounts for the majority of hamstring strains in many sports. The terminal swing phase is believed to be the most hazardous as the hamstrings are undergoing an active lengthening contraction in a long muscle length position. Prevention-based strength training mainly focuses on eccentric exercises. However, it appears crucial to integrate other parameters than the contraction type. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a conceptual framework based on six key parameters (contraction type, load, range of motion, angular velocity, uni-/bilateral exercises, kinetic chain) for the hamstring’s strength exercise for strain prevention. Based on the biomechanical parameters of sprinting, it is proposed to use high-load eccentric contractions. The movement should be performed at a slow to moderate angular velocity and focused at the knee joint, while the hip is kept in a large flexion position in order to reach a greater elongation stress of the hamstrings than in the terminal swing phase. In this way, we believe that, during sprinting, athletes would be better trained to brake the knee extension effectively in the whole range of motion without overstretch of the hamstrings. Finally, based on its functional application, unilateral open kinetic chain should be preferred.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mrs. Weibel-Pache for her contribution during the preparation of this manuscript. No funding was used to assist in the preparation of this article. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this article.

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  1. Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Av. de Beaumont 21, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Kenny Guex

  2. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, ISSUL Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Kenny Guex & Grégoire P. Millet

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Correspondence to Kenny Guex.

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Guex, K., Millet, G.P. Conceptual Framework for Strengthening Exercises to Prevent Hamstring Strains. Sports Med 43, 1207–1215 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0097-y

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