Abstract
Objective: Given the emerging imbalances in knee stabilising muscle strength, the aim of the study was to determine whether performing a single NHE intervention would alter the isometric strength of the knee flexor muscles (HAM). Material and Methodology: A group of 56 players of a youth football team (age range 13-16 years), were recruited for a pilot study. The group involved healthy players, training football at the central junior level. After meeting the inclusion criteria inclusion, 32 players were enrolled into the study. Participants were randomly allocated to a study group (A) and a control group (B). In the study group, the intervention consisted of a single NHE exercise in the form of a two series of trunk slumps, eight repetitions each. The control group performed one series of of forward trunk bends, five repetitions each. Participants (group A and B) were tested on the ForceFrame platform before the procedure experiment and immediately after the intervention was performed. Maximum force of the knee extensors (QUAD) and knee flexors (HAM) was measured. Results: Statistical analysis of the results indicated that maximal HAM muscle strength increased after a single NHE intervention (p = 0.04) relative to the control group. At the same time, after the intervention, there was no increase in the strength of the Quadriceps muscles (extensors of the knee joint) relative to the control group. Conclusions: The results obtained indicate that a single performance of the NHE exercise has the effect of increase in the maximum isometric strength of the HAM muscles. This increase, although not statistically significant, correlated with no change in quadriceps muscle strength. The work is pilot study and further research may have benefits in maintaining the balance between the two muscle groups, i.e. HAM and QUAD, which contributes to the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.
Published Version
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