Establishing Predicted Eccentric Hamstring Strength In Division I Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Body mass has been established to be an independent predictor of eccentric hamstring strength. However, the majority of demonstrate this correlation in male soccer athletes. To date, there is limited evidence to indicate if body mass remains an independent predictor for hamstring strength across different sports and sex. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of body mass on eccentric hamstring strength in both males and females in different sports. METHODS: 87 Division I athletes’ (20.46 ± 2.42 years, female= 49) eccentric hamstring strength were assessed during a bilateral Nordic hamstring exercise. Each participant performed 1 set of 3 maximal repetitions, with the greatest peak force measure used for analysis. Univariable and multivariable regressions were performed to assess sex, body mass, and sport as independent predictors for eccentric hamstring strength. Independent t-tests were used to compare the means of strength between groups. Regression equations from each sport and sex were used to predict eccentric hamstring strength as a factor of body mass. RESULTS: Eccentric hamstring strength and body mass displayed a strong correlation across the cohort(r=.825), as well as body mass being an independent predictor of strength. Sex was also determined to be a significant factor of eccentric hamstring, as well as a strong correlate in females (r=.695) and moderate in males (r=.471). Stratifying eccentric hamstring strength by sex, as a factor of body mass was significant independent variables for all sports; men’s soccer displayed moderate correlation (r=.481), strong correlations were observed in men’s basketball (r=.741), women’s basketball (r=.647), and women’s lacrosse (r=.562). CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric hamstring strength is dependent on both body mass and sex. Regressions models by sport and sex, can establish predictive eccentric hamstring values. For instance, to determine the eccentric hamstring strength of a male basketball player the following equation could be utilized [predicted strength= 3.42(kg)+118.60]. These equations can accurately control for body mass while providing expected strength values. The utility of these findings is the comparative values of an athlete’s current performance to their expected performance.