Effects Of Eccentric Training Research Articles

The Effects of Eccentric Training on Undulatory Underwater Swimming Performance and Kinematics in Competitive Swimmers

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a five-week training program on undulatory underwater swimming (UUS) in swimmers and to compare the specific effects prompted by two different training protocols on UUS performance and kinematics. Swimmers (n = 14) were divided into in-water only (WO) (18.61 ± 2.62 years, FINA points: 507 ± 60) and water + dry-land training groups (with conical pulleys) (WD) (18.38 ± 2.67 years, FINA points: 508 ± 83). Three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three maximal UUS trials were performed before and after a five-week training period. The training program comprised 14 × 30-min sessions. The WO group repeated the same 15-min block twice, while the WD group performed one block of 15 min in the water and the other block on land performing lower limb exercises with conical pulleys. Seven body landmarks were auto-digitalized during UUS by a pre-trained neural network and 21 kinematic variables were calculated. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Significant time × group interaction in favour of the WD group was observed for mean vertical toe velocity (p = 0.035, = 0.32). The WD group experienced enhancements in mean and maximum underwater velocity, kick frequency, maximum shoulder angular velocity, as well as mean and maximum vertical toe velocity (p < 0.05). The WO group exhibited an enhancement in CMJ height (p < 0.05). In conclusion, UUS performance was improved in adolescent swimmers after five weeks of specific training, only when combining water and conical pulley exercises. Coaches should include dry-land specific lower limb exercises in addition to in-water training to improve UUS performance.

Biceps brachii elastography in well-trained men post eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

Recent advancements in elastography techniques, specifically supersonic shearwave elastography (SWE), have enabled non-invasive assessment of muscle stiffness. However, there is limited research on the immediate and short-term effects of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in well-trained individuals. This study aimed to follow up on the effects of eccentric training on the biceps brachialis stiffness by supersonic shearwave imaging (SSI) as well as the soreness and elbow flexion maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), immediately post-intervention, at 10min, 48h, and 96h in well-trained men. Thirteen well-trained males participated in the study. Baseline measurements of elastography images, MVIC of the elbow flexors, and muscle soreness were obtained. The participants performed an eccentric exercise protocol (4 sets X 10 repetitions) on the dynamometer isokinetic and elastography measurements were repeated immediately post-exercise, at 10min, 48h, and 96h. Significant reductions in stiffness (measured by shear modulus (µ)) were observed immediately and at 10min post-exercise. MVIC exhibited significant reductions immediately after, 10min, and 48h compared to baseline measurements. Muscle soreness peaked at 48h, persisting until 96h. The BB stiffness and MVIC reduction immediately post-eccentric exercise in well-trained men, suggest the potential involvement of mechanical stress and sarcomere rupture. Trained individuals may exhibit a distinct response to EIMD compared to untrained individuals, highlighting the applicability of elastography in monitoring acute biomechanical changes following high-intensity exercise.

The effects of eccentric training on hamstring flexibility and strength in young dance students

The objective of this research is to examine the impact of eccentric training on hamstring flexibility and strength in young dancers during the concluding stages of their foundational dance training program. A total of 24 female, second-year dance students from Hebei Normal University were selected as participants. They were divided into three distinct groups: Nordic hamstring exercise and single-leg deadlift group (NHE&SLD), forward bending exercises and standing leg lift group (FBE&SLL), and a control group (CG). The study was designed around a 6-week training regimen. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure seated knee flexor–extensor strength, while electronic goniometry was employed to measure hamstring flexibility in the supine position. Paired sample t-tests were conducted within each group, and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was utilized for comparisons between groups. In the NHE&SLD group, significant disparities were observed in both concentric (T = − 5.687, P = 0.001) and eccentric (T = − 3.626, P = 0.008) hamstring strength pre and post-intervention. The pre-intervention dominant leg concentric strength test values significantly influenced the post-intervention outcomes (F = 5.313, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.840). Similarly, the pre-intervention dominant leg eccentric strength test values impacted the post-intervention results (F = 4.689, P = 0.043, η2 = 0.190). Following the intervention, the NHE&SLD group displayed marked changes in the active straight leg raising angle on both left (T = − 4.171, P = 0.004) and right (T = − 6.328, P = 0.001) sides. The FBE&SLL group also revealed significant changes in the active straight leg raising angle on both left (T = − 4.506, P = 0.003) and right (T = − 4.633, P = 0.002) sides following the intervention. The pre-intervention left leg concentric strength test value significantly influenced the post-intervention outcomes (F = 25.067, P = 0.001, η2 = 0.556). Likewise, the pre-intervention right leg eccentric strength test value significantly influenced the post-intervention results (F = 85.338, P = 0.01, η2 = 0.810). Eccentric training can better enhance the flexibility and strength of hamstring muscles in dance students. Traditional stretching training significantly improves the flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Eccentric training has more training benefits than traditional stretching training. It is recommended for dance students to use eccentric training when increasing hamstring flexibility and strength.

IMPACTOS DO TREINAMENTO EXCÊNTRICO SOBRE A CAPACIDADE DE SALTO EM ATLETAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Strength quality can be divided into total strength, rapid strength, endurance strength, and reaction strength, among which rapid strength has been a much-discussed theme in sports industry research. Objective: Study the impacts of eccentric lower limb training on jumping ability in soccer athletes. Methods: A multifunctional centrifugal training device was used as a training tool, and the effect of eccentric training on rapid strength in soccer players was analyzed. Results: The average force of soccer players in the experimental group increased by about 524N, and the completion rate increased by about 76%. Both average strength and completion rate were significantly improved. Compared to the control group, the experimental group benefited more from the explosive power and kinetic indexes. There was also a significant improvement in the four indices of jumping ability, the three indices of sensitivity (except 15s step frequency), and eccentric training in the experimental group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The proposed lower limb eccentric training resulted in a beneficial effect on the jumping ability of athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Influence of 4 weeks of downhill running on calcium sensitivity of rat single muscle fibers

Improved Ca2+ sensitivity has been suggested as a mechanism behind enhancements in muscle mechanical function following eccentric training. However, little is known regarding the effects of eccentric training on single muscle fiber Ca2+ sensitivity. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (sacrificial age ~18 weeks; mass = 400.1 ± 34.8 g) were assigned to an eccentric training (n = 5) or sedentary control group (n = 6). Eccentric training consisted of 4 weeks of weighted downhill running 3×/week at a 15° decline and 16 m/min for 35 min per day in 5‐min bouts. After sacrifice, vastus intermedius single muscle fibers were dissected, chemically permeabilized, and stored until testing. Fibers (n = 63) were isolated, and standard Ca2+ sensitivity, force, rate of force redevelopment (k tr), and active instantaneous stiffness tests were performed using [Ca2+] ranging from 7.0 to 4.5. Following all mechanical testing, fiber type was determined using SDS‐PAGE. There was no difference in pCa50 (i.e., [Ca2+] needed to elicit half of maximal force) between groups or between fiber types. However, when comparing normalized force across pCa values, fibers from the control group produced greater forces than fibers from the trained group at lower Ca2+ concentrations (p < 0.05), and this was most evident for Type I fibers (p = 0.002). Type II fibers produced faster (p < 0.001) k tr than Type I fibers, but there were no differences in absolute force, normalized force, or other measures of mechanical function between fibers from the trained and control groups. These findings indicate that eccentric training does not appear to improve single muscle fiber Ca2+ sensitivity.

Effect Of Eccentric Training And Isolytic Contraction To Improve Flexibility Of Quadriceps In Recreational Marathoners.

In the field of athletics, running is one of the most popular activities having beneficial health effects as well as negative effects during sports injury. Not only elite marathoners, but recreational marathoners have various lower limb musculoskeletal injuries that occur quite frequently which produces an adverse effect over the performance of the marathoners. Studies have suggested that the most common muscles that were affected were quadriceps group of muscles as well as the hamstrings muscles. The main mechanism behind the injury to the quadriceps muscles is the strong contraction of the muscle against the forced flexion action of the knee joint which is commonly seen in runners in a downhill marathon. Some of the risk factors that are responsible for the quadriceps muscle strains are inadequate stretching, muscle imbalance of the lower extremity and inadequate warm-up before vigorous exercise. Objective of this study was to find out the effect of eccentric training and whether isolytic contraction helps to improve the flexibility of the quadriceps muscle and joint range of motion of knee as well as hip joint. A total of 30 subjects were selected for the study from Krishna College of Physiotherapy. The subjects were divided into two groups namely, group A and group B consisting of 15 subjects each. Demographic data, assent and consent was taken from the marathoners that were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Pre and post assessment was taken on the basis of both active range of motion of the hip joint, active range of motion of knee joint, Manual Muscle Test of the quadriceps and Ely’s test for quadriceps before and after 6 weeks (total 16 sessions) of the treatment respectively. The session lasted for a time period of 45 mins. After the data was collected, evaluation and interpretation of collected data was done thoroughly. The subjects under the eccentric training protocol were found to have more effect compared to the ones in the group consisting of isolytic contraction protocol. The conclusion of this study was that significant effect of eccentric training and isolytic contraction helps to improve the flexibility of the quadriceps muscle and joint range of motion.

The effects of eccentric training on hamstring muscle architecture

The architectural features of the hamstring muscle group are important to prevent injury or to reduce the risk of re-injury. Besides, eccentric training is often used in the rehabilitation of hamstring injuries. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the changes created by eccentric training on hamstring muscle architecture and to determine the minimal values of training duration and intensity for requiring functional changes. The research was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, COCHRANE, CINAHL, and Pedro databases. Full-text studies examining the effect of eccentric training on at least one parameter of the hamstring muscle architecture were included in the review. Studies on cadavers and animals and studies involving different types of training combined with eccentric training were excluded. Twelve of the 7954 studies met the set criteria. According to the results, eccentric training undoubtedly increases fiber length. However, the pennation angle tends to decrease. On the other hand, muscle thickness and cross-sectional area tends to increase depending on the eccentric training. Although the frequency, number of sets and number of repetitions in sets were similar in the examined studies, muscle architecture changes were different. We think that eccentric training duration and the number of repetitions in total or per training session seem to have an impact on muscle architecture. In order to determine the minimal eccentric training program that can create these changes, quality research is needed to examine the duration, intensity and methods of eccentric training.

Effects of eccentric training at long-muscle length on architectural and functional characteristics of the hamstrings.

Hamstring strain injuries during sprinting or stretching frequently occur at long-muscle length. Yet, previous research has mainly focused on studying the effectiveness of eccentric hamstring strengthening at shorter muscle length on hamstring performance, morphology, and hamstring strain injury risk factors. Here, we evaluated the effects of 6-week eccentric hamstring training at long-muscle length on functional and architectural characteristics of the hamstrings. Healthy and injury-free participants (n=40; age 23.7±2.5years) were randomly assigned to control or intervention group. Training intervention consisted of 12 sessions with two eccentric hamstring exercises in a lengthened position. Outcome measures included isokinetic and isometric knee flexion peak torque, Nordic hamstring exercise peak torque, voluntary activation level, and countermovement jump performance. Ultrasonography was used to determine muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length of biceps femoris long head (BFlh). A significant time×group interaction effect was observed for all measured parameters except countermovement jump performance and muscle thickness. The training intervention resulted in increased concentric and eccentric knee flexion peak torque at 60°/s (d=0.55-0.62, P=.02 and .03) and concentric peak torque at 180°/s (d=0.99, P=.001), increased isometric knee flexion peak torque (d=0.73, P=.008) and Nordic hamstring exercise peak torque (d=1.19, P<.001), increased voluntary activation level (d=1.29, P<.001), decreased pennation angle (d=1.31, P<.001), and increased fascicle length (d=1.12, P<.001) of BFlh. These results provide evidence that short-term eccentric hamstring strengthening at long-muscle length can have significant favorable effects on various architectural and functional characteristics of the hamstrings.

The effect of eccentric training on tissue repair in individuals with Achilles tendinopathy: a literature review

Introduction: The tendinopathy is a common dysfunction in athletes and its numbers has increased in the last few years. Regarding tendon lesions, the Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most commons, especially among runners. There are several techniques to treat tendon lesions, such as the eccentric exercise. This exercise is widely used and discussed in the literature. Objective: To carry out a literature review in order to investigate the short and long term effects of eccentric exercise on tendon vascularization and structure in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Methods: A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs and PEDro databases. Results: 13 studies that measure the effects of eccentric exercises in the tendon structure were selected. Conclusion: The studies suggest that eccentric exercise can modify tendon structure in short and long term, reestablishing its healthy structure conditions.

The Effects of Eccentric Training on Biceps Femoris Architecture and Strength: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

To determine the effects of an eccentric hamstrings strength-training program, performed for at least 4 weeks by healthy adults, on muscle architecture and eccentric strength. A systematic search was performed up to October 2018 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. Combinations of the following search terms were used: eccentric strength training, eccentric loading, nordic hamstring, hamstring strength, fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, muscle architecture, biceps femoris long head, biceps femoris, and hamstring muscles. Included articles were randomized controlled trials that allowed comparisons between isolated eccentric strength training of the biceps femoris muscle and other programs. Data from the included studies were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. These data included the study design, participant characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria of clinical studies, exercise and intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and the main results of the study. When meta-analysis was possible, we performed quantitative analysis. Ten randomized controlled trials were included. Limited to moderate evidence indicated that eccentric strength training was associated with an increase in fascicle length (mean difference [MD] = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48, 2.46), an increase in muscle thickness (MD = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.13), and a decrease in pennation angle (MD = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.61, 3.11). Conflicted to moderate evidence indicated that eccentric hamstrings strength was increased after eccentric strength training compared with concentric strength training (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.26, 1.86), usual level of activity (SMD = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.68, 3.77), and static stretching (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI = -0.97, 1.75). In healthy adults, an eccentric strength-training program produced architectural adaptations on the long head of the biceps femoris muscle and increased eccentric hamstrings strength.

The Effect of Eccentric Training on Anthropometrics, Physical Fitness and Bone Strength in Overweight Children

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Effects of backward-downhill treadmill training versus manual static plantarflexor stretching on muscle-joint pathology and function in children with spastic Cerebral Palsy

BackgroundPatients with spastic Cerebral Palsy are prone to equinus deformities, likely affected by short and inextensible plantarflexor muscles. Manual stretching is a popular treatment but its effectiveness concerning joint mobility, muscle-tendon morphometrics and walking function is debated. Eccentric exercise by backward-downhill treadmill training could be a therapeutic alternative for ambulatory patients improving gait and muscle function. Research questionWhat are the effects of eccentric training by backward-downhill treadmill training and plantarflexor stretching concerning gait and muscle function in patients with spastic Cerebral Palsy? Methods10 independent ambulators with spastic Cerebral Palsy (12 [SD 4] years old, 2 uni- and 8 bilaterally affected) participated in a randomized crossover-study. One group started with manual static stretching, the other one with backward-downhill treadmill training. Each treatment period lasted 9 weeks (3 sessions per week). Pre and post treatments, 3D gait was assessed during comfortable and during fastest possible walking. Ultrasonography and dynamometry were used to test plantarflexor strength, passive joint flexibility, as well as gastrocnemius morphometrics, stiffness and strain on muscle-tendon and joint level. ResultsWhen comparing both treatments, backward-downhill treadmill training lead to larger single stance dorsiflexion at comfortable walking speed (+2.9°, P = 0.041) and faster maximally achievable walking velocities ( + 0.10 m/s, P = 0.017). Stretching reduced knee flexion in swing, particularly at faster walking velocities (-5.4°, P = 0.003). Strength, ankle joint flexibility, as well as stiffness on muscle-tendon and joint level were not altered, despite similar increases in passive muscle and fascicle strain with both treatments (P ≤ 0.023). SignificanceBackward-downhill treadmill training can be an effective gait treatment, probably improving coordination or reducing dynamic stretch sensitivity. More intense BDTT might be necessary to further alter muscle-tendon properties. Manual static plantarflexor stretching may not be optimal in Cerebral Palsy patients with high ambulatory status.

Comparing the Effects of Eccentric Training versus Concentric Training for Side Strain Injury in Elite Cricketers

Comparing the Effects of Eccentric Training versus Concentric Training for Side Strain Injury in Elite Cricketers

Effect of eccentric training on sagittal plane lower limb kinematics and kinetics in non-habitual forefoot runners

Effect of eccentric training on sagittal plane lower limb kinematics and kinetics in non-habitual forefoot runners

The role of eccentric regime of leg muscle work in alpine skiing

Alpine skiing is characterized by a great number of leg movements with muscle contractions in eccentric regime. The role of these movements is to absorb gravitation and inertial forces, manage skis more precisely and maintain balance. Recent studies have determined the volume, duration and intenisty of eccentric contractions as well as the basic characteristics of movement amplitudes and velocities. Based on the previous findings the experiments involving eccentric training using a bicycle ergometer confirmed a positive impact that this kind of training has on increasing maximum power, strength, endurance, coordination, injury prevention, metabolic work efficiency, more efficient work with longer muscle length and its role in miming skiers' movements. This paper is an review of the studies so far in the field of kinematics, skiing dynamics and the effect of eccentric training on the development of athletes' performances.

Effect of eccentric training on biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon

Effect of eccentric training on biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon

ECCENTRIC TRAINING ON ROWING PERFORMANCE: A CONCEPT PAPER

Physical injuries are almost a norm among athletes. In a sport such as rowing, the common injuries among rowers concentrated on the lower back, knee and wrist regions. Henceforth, rowers participate in various training regimes such as aerobic training, resistance training, concurrent training and interval training in order to minimize the occurrence of injuries. Nevertheless, since injuries among rowers are still reported despite this efforts, experts raised questions on the effectiveness on a number of the training regimes. This study gives a special focus on eccentric training. Eccentric training is proven to improve musculoskeletal function in human body such as strength, endurance and physical power. However, with respect to the science among rowers; there are inconclusive results gathered from literature on the benefits given by eccentric training especially at core body section. The objective of this concept paper is to determine the effects of eccentric training in delaying muscle fatigue, changing in physical characteristic and improving physical related fitness performance among rowers. The objective will be achieved by measuring the muscle activation and muscle fatigue of a number of selected muscles among rowers by using surface electromyography (sEMG). This sEMG measurement will be performed during rowing performance 2000m maximal effort. It is hypothesized that eccentric training may appear to demonstrate greater improvement on physical development among rowers in comparison to other training regimes. There are need of studies on benefits of eccentric to confirm the controvert finding especially on rowing population regarding delaying muscle fatigue. This is crucial to reduce the risk of injuries among rowers. The findings from this study such as the type of exercises, intensity and intensity for eccentric training will contribute new knowledge upon prescribing eccentric training regime to rowers.

Patellar Tendinopathy May not Be the Proper Term for Patients With Clinical Diagnosis of Patellar Tendon Disorder.

Dear Editor, Chronic patellar tendinopathy is a common clinical condition that is managed by physical therapists and is common among athletes and non-athletes alike. Patellar tendinopathy is characterized by the absence of inflammatory cells and prostaglandins and an increased presence of fibroblasts and disorganized collagen (1). Therefore, this condition is not inflammatory as physicians had thought but is a degenerative condition. Extrinsic factors such as inappropriate footwear, sport technique, training errors, and intrinsic factors such as muscle weakness and/or inflexibility, and misalignment are the main factors that lead to patellar tendinopathy (1-3). Functional activities such as squat or hop can cause pain in this condition (2, 3). The ideal term for clinical diagnosis is patellar tendinopathy because this term refers to the painful tendon without implying the pathology (1). Jumper’s knee was the first diagnostic term used for this condition. However, this condition can occur in people who are not athletes and athletes who do not perform jumping in their sports. Thus, jumper’s knee is not an appropriate term for clinical diagnosis (2). Patellar tendonitis is also an incorrect term for clinical diagnosis because the condition is not inflammatory but is degenerative as mentioned. The best diagnostic term may be the term patellar tendinosis because this term refers to the pathology of the tendon (1-3). The most common site of pain in patellar tendinopathy is the inferior pole of the patella. Patellar tendinopathy pain can also be reported at the tibial tuberosity, at the superior pole of the patella and at the midportion of the tendon (1-3). There are four sites of pain in this condition, and an appropriate diagnostic term is needed for each specific pain site. Therefore, the term patellar tendinopathy is a general diagnostic term and cannot be used for all the above-mentioned sites of pain. Moreover, it is unknown if the pathology of the above-mentioned sites are the same. Many physiotherapy techniques have been recommended for the treatment/rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy such as electrotherapeutic (ultrasound, ESWT, laser, iontophoresis) and non-electrotherapeutic modalities (exercise programs, soft tissue manipulation, and acupuncture). All the above-mentioned treatments intend to improve symptoms (pain and function) of patellar tendinopathy but have totally different mechanisms of action. However, a treatment is effective when it reverses the pathology of the tendinopathy and not only improve the symptoms. Nowadays, eccentric training is the most common physiotherapy treatment for patients with patellar tendinopathy (1-3). The question that arises is whether eccentric training is effective for all sites of patellar tendinopathy? For example, eccentric training with dorsiflexion is effective for patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (4-9), but eccentric training without dorsiflexion has positive effects on patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (10). Therefore, different sites of Achilles tendinopathy are managed with different protocols of eccentric exercises. Eccentric training consisting of squats is an effective treatment approach when the patellar tendinopathy is at the inferior pole of the patella; however, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of eccentric training on other sites of patellar tendinopathy. Thus, studies determining the effectiveness of eccentric exercises at other sites of patellar tendinopathy are needed. Future well-designed studies are needed to find firstly, the most appropriate diagnostic term for each site of patellar tendinopathy and secondly, the appropriate protocol of eccentric training for each site of pain and the pathology of this disorder.

Eccentric training for hamstring injury, and its relationship to strength and flexibility: A case-series

BACKGROUND: Reduced strength and flexibility are commonly hypothesised risk factors for the development of hamstring injury, and both are improved with eccentric training in non-injured populations. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the effect of eccentric training on strength and flexibility among previously injured athletes. This study examined the effects of a modified eccentric hamstring strength program on strength and flexibility in previously injured athletes. METHODS: Ten participants (8 Male, 2 Female) ranging from 18–36 years of age were recruited from the local community to participate in the study. All participants demonstrated a previous history of hamstring injury but had since returned to their chosen sport of Gaelic football, hurling, soccer or rugby. A single group repeated measures intervention study was carried out. Two strength parameters; peak torque (PT) and angle of peak torque (AngPT), as well as two flexibility parameters; stretch tolerance (ST) and extensibility were assessed before and after a six week eccentric hamstring strength program. Muscle soreness was recorded using a likert scale. Paired samples t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests compared strength and flexibility before and after the eccentric program. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in eccentric hamstring PT (p < 0.001) and eccentric hamstring AngPT (p = 0.001) following the intervention. The results also indicated a significant increase in ST (p ≤ 0.001), but not extensibility (p = 0.892), following the eccentric intervention. Mean(±SD) muscle soreness with the exercise programme was minimal (1.85 ± 0.84) with 100% compliance during the eccentric programme. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes in PT, AngPT and ST were observed after the eccentric training programme, consistent with previous research among uninjured populations. Extensibility was unchanged after the intervention. Eccentric training programmes similar to that performed in the current study have been associated with reduced injury rates when progressed gradually throughout a season. This study adds support to the hypothesis that eccentric training can improve both strength and flexibility parameters. However further well designed randomised control trials (RCTs) and field-based studies, which include injury outcomes, are needed.

Efficacy of Eccentric Training and Muscle Energy Technique on Hamstring Flexibility in Sedentary College Students

Purpose of study: Muscular flexibility is an important aspect of normal human function . Limited flexibility has been shown to affect a person's level of function. Purpose of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of Eccentric Training and Muscle Energy Technique on hamstring flexibility in sedentary college students and to compare the effect between the boys and girls. Methodology: 40 healthy college students between the age groups of 18- 25 years were selected and were randomly assigned to two study groups. Group 1 (n= 20) subjects were treated with Eccentric Training where as Group 2 (n= 20) subjects were treated with Muscle Energy Technique. And each Group comprising of equal ratio of boys and girls. Treatment was given for 14 consecutive days and a follow up measurement was done one week after cessation of intervention. The outcome was measured in terms of Active knee extension test and Sit and reach test. Each intervention was performed for duration of 30 sec. Results: There was a significant difference in range of motion in Active knee extension test b/etween both the groups with (p= 0.005) in right side and left side (p=0.10), whereas in Sit and reach test there is no significant difference between both the groups with (p= 0.219) according to the paired and unpaired t- test. Conclusion: Results indicate that muscle energy technique is significantly improving hamstring flexibility. But there is no statically significant difference in muscle flexibility between boys and girl.