Effect of an Isometric or Eccentric Hip Extension Exercise Intervention on Hamstring Strength, Architecture, and Morphology

This study aimed to investigate hamstring architectural, strength, and morphological adaptations after an eccentric or isometric hip extension exercise intervention. Methods Twenty-four recreationally active males performed either an eccentric (n = 12) or an isometric hip extension (n = 12) exercise intervention, twice per week for 6 wk, followed by a 4-wk detraining period. Biceps femoris long head (BFlh) architecture was assessed pre-intervention, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and post-detraining via two-dimensional ultrasound. Strength was assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and post-detraining during an isokinetic knee flexion, an isometric hip extension, a Nordic hamstring exercise, and a single-leg hamstring bridge repetition to fatigue test. Hamstring muscle morphology was assessed via magnetic resonance imaging before strength testing sessions. Results The eccentric hip extension exercise intervention significantly lengthened BFlh fascicles (+19.7%, P
Source: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: APPLIED SCIENCES Source Type: research