Effect of eccentric strength training and static stretch on hamstring flexibility among futsal players

Abstract

Futsal is a high intensity team sport game that demands a high physical, technical and tactical ability. The elements of kicking and jumping demands a strong lower body, in which quadriceps act as the primary muscles, whereas the hamstring act as the balancer of the knee joint. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of eccentric strength training and static stretch on hamstring flexibility among futsal players. 10 recreative male futsal players (n=10) recruited from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Samarahan for the study. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups comprised of eccentric strength training group and static stretching group. Eccentric strength training performed the Nordic hamstring exercise while, static stretch group performed static stretching exercise. All participants went through a 4 weeks program respectively to the set group, with 3 sessions each week. Sit and reach flexibility test was measured. Both groups showed a significant difference between pre and post-test, F = 22.478, p = .001 (p<.05). Thus, both programs are applicable in order to enhance hamstring flexibility and may improve the performance.