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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03697473

A Comparison of Hip Extension and Nordic Hamstring Exercise Programmes on Isokinetic Hamstring Strength

This study aimed to compare the effect of two hamstring strengthening programmes on hamstring muscle strength in Gaelic footballers. 26 Gaelic footballers were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two 4-week hamstring strengthening programmes, namely the hip extension exercise programme and the Nordic hamstring exercise protocol. Isokinetic hamstring and quadriceps strength were measured before and after the intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Hamstring Injury

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

Recruitment:

Participants were recruited from the local university sports clubs. Club chairpersons were asked to send an email to club players. Players interested in participating in the study expressed an interest by replying to the email. Potential participants were asked to attend a meeting where they had the study explained to them. Those who were interested were then assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Group allocation:

A four block randomisation method was used to allocate participants to the Nordic hamstring exercise protocol or the hip extension exercise protocol.

Interventions:

The Nordic hamstring exercise protocol or the hip extension exercise protocol

Testing procedure:

The isokinetic strength of the participants' hamstrings and quadriceps were recorded before and after the exercise intervention.

A 10 point visual analogue scale was used to record the level of muscle soreness experienced after each training session.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • male
  • free from hamstring injury in the 6 months prior to the study
  • currently playing Gaelic football at a varsity level on at least three occasions per week

Exclusion criteria

  • history of a hip or knee injury in the 3 months prior to the study
  • a history of anterior cruciate ligament rupture
  • a history of involvement in a hamstring strengthening, injury prevention programme in the 3 months prior to the study.

Treatment and study plan

Nordic Hamstring Exercise

Other

The exercise protocol consisted of the following sets and repetitions Week 1 - 2 sessions with 2 sets of 6 repetitions. Week 2 - 2 sessions with 3 sets of 6 repetitions Week 3 - 2 sessions with 4 sets of 8 repetitions. Week 4 - 2 sessions with 4 sets of 10 repetitions.

Hip extension exercise

Other

The exercise protocol consisted of the following sets and repetitions Week 1 - 2 sessions with 2 sets of 6 repetitions. Week 2 - 2 sessions with 3 sets of 6 repetitions Week 3 - 2 sessions with 4 sets of 8 repetitions. Week 4 - 2 sessions with 4 sets of 10 repetitions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Peak isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength at 60°.s-1

    Time frame: Change from baseline assessment at six weeks

    This was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer

Secondary outcomes

  1. Functional hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio at 60°.s-1

    Time frame: Change from baseline assessment at six weeks

    This was calculated by dividing the peak isokinetic, eccentric hamstring strength at 60°.s-1 by the peak isokinetic, concentric quadriceps strength at 60°.s-1

  2. Between limb, isokinetic eccentric hamstring strength asymmetries

    Time frame: Change from baseline assessment at six weeks

    Between limb eccentric strength percentage asymmetries were calculated as a non-dominant/dominant ratio converted to percentage difference using log transformation.

  3. Muscle soreness rating following exercise

    Time frame: 1 minute at the end of each intervention session

    Participants used a 10 point visual analogue scale to record the level of muscle soreness experienced after training sessions.

    The scale consisted of a single scale of 0 to 10 where 0 was no soreness at all and 10 was the greatest soreness they could imagine. A higher score indicated a worse outcome. There are no subscales included in this.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dublin City University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
Oct 5, 2018
Registry last updated
Oct 5, 2018

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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