Reliability of the Hip Extension Lower Exercise as a Measure of Eccentric Hamstring Strength

Clare Lodge,Joey O’Brien,Declan Browne,Des Earls

doi:10.3390/biomechanics2010001

Clare Lodge, Joey O’Brien + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics2010001

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Abstract

Hamstring strain injury (HSI) is a very common lower-body injury in field sports, and eccentric (ECC) hamstring strength is a potential modifiable risk factor, therefore having reliable eccentric hamstring strength assessments is critical. The aim of this study was to access test–retest reliability of the hip extension lower (HEL) exercise as a measure of ECC hamstring strength and inter-limb asymmetries. Twelve male elite level soccer players (mean; age: 21.8 years; height: 180.4 cm; weight: 75.7 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were from the same soccer club, covered all playing positions, and had no current injury issues. Participants performed two familiarization sessions to acquaint themselves with the device and exercise protocol. During testing, each participant performed three repetitions with 60s intra-set recovery provided. Average and peak force (N) was recorded for both limbs. Testing sessions took place on the same day and time over a two-week pre-season period and followed a full recovery day. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Coefficient of Variation (CV%), Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) and Typical Error (TE) were used to assess reliability. The HEL showed excellent reliability for average force (N) in the left (ICC (95% CI) = 0.9 (0.7–0.97); TE = 14.1 N, CV% = 1.87; MDC = 39.06 N) and right (ICC (95% CI) = 0.91 (0.73–0.97); TE = 20.89 N, CV% = 3.26; MDC = 57.87 N) limb, and also excellent reliability for peak force in the left (ICC (95% CI) = 0.91 (0.71–0.97); TE = 13.55 N, CV% = 1.61; MDC = 57.87 N) and right (ICC (95% CI) = 0.9 (0.7–0.97); TE = 21.70 N, CV% = 3.31; MDC = 60.11 N) limb. This data suggests the HEL as a reliable measure of both ECC hamstring strength and inter-limb asymmetries. Practitioners should consider the HEL as a reliable choice for measuring and monitoring eccentric hamstring strength in their athletes.

Highlights

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralHamstring strain injury (HSI) is a very common injury in sport [1], with adverse performance [2] and financial consequences [3]
HSI remains the leading cause of time lost from competition and represents 12% of all reported injuries [4]
An archetypal HSI can lead to athletes missing several weeks of training or match play, with elite level soccer teams often encountering 5–6 HSI per season [5]

Summary

Introduction

Hamstring strain injury (HSI) is a very common injury in sport [1], with adverse performance [2] and financial consequences [3]. HSI remains the leading cause of time lost from competition and represents 12% of all reported injuries [4]. An archetypal HSI can lead to athletes missing several weeks of training or match play, with elite level soccer teams often encountering 5–6 HSI per season [5]. 13-year longitudinal study in men’s professional soccer [6], there has been a reported 4%. With HSI being such a problematic issue, practitioners must identify and monitor possible risk factors that may put athletes at risk of injury or recurring injury. The current literature suggests that two main biomechanical mechanisms can lead to HSI, one resulting from high-speed running [7] and the second during stretching movements occurring at large ranges of motion [8]; both results in high-velocity ECC loading

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