Less pain, same gain? A randomized controlled trial comparing assisted- versus non-assisted Nordic Hamstring exercise training in elite youth football players

IF 2.2 3区医学 Q1 REHABILITATION

Physical Therapy in Sport Pub Date : 2025-03-03 DOI:10.1016/j.ptsp.2025.02.007

Lasse Ishøi , Simon Meincke , Anders P. Lund , Anders Stenholm , Matt DeLang , Kasper Thornton , Kristian Thorborg

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

The Nordic Hamstring exercise (NHE) increases hamstring strength, but muscle soreness and excessive fatigue may hinder adoption. The assisted NHE (A-NHE), with an elastic band around the chest lowering the force in the eccentric lowering phase, may be a less demanding alternative. We investigated the effectiveness of A-NHE versus NHE on hamstring strength, muscle soreness, and perceived exertion.

Methods

We randomized 31 youth elite football players (under-14 and -15) from a single professional football academy to either NHE or A-NHE, who performed the same supervised 8-week program. The A-NHE was performed with an elastic band, progressing from heavy to light assistance. A blinded tester assessed Nordic hamstring strength, while hamstring muscle soreness and perceived exertion were assessed during each session.

Results

Intention-to-treat analysis showed no group by time interaction (p = 0.61) for Nordic hamstring strength. Both groups improved significantly (A-NHE mean difference: 3.7 kg, 95% CI [2.1; 5.3]; NHE mean difference: 3.2 kg, 95% CI [1.2; 5.2]) corresponding to approximately 20%. The NHE group reported significantly higher hamstring muscle soreness (beta = 1.77, p < 0.01) and perceived exertion (beta = 1.54, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Eight weeks of assisted-versus regular Nordic Hamstring training led to similar strength gains, but with lower hamstring muscle soreness and perceived exertion.

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来源期刊

Physical Therapy in Sport 医学-康复医学

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

8.30%

发文量

125

审稿时长

39 days

期刊介绍： Physical Therapy in Sport is an international peer-reviewed journal that provides a forum for the publication of research and clinical practice material relevant to the healthcare professions involved in sports and exercise medicine, and rehabilitation. The journal publishes material that is indispensable for day-to-day practice and continuing professional development. Physical Therapy in Sport covers topics dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries, as well as more general areas of sports and exercise medicine and related sports science. The journal publishes original research, case studies, reviews, masterclasses, papers on clinical approaches, and book reviews, as well as occasional reports from conferences. Papers are double-blind peer-reviewed by our international advisory board and other international experts, and submissions from a broad range of disciplines are actively encouraged.