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NCT Number: NCT07716319

Comparison Between Eccentric Hamstring Training and Sprint-Specific Training

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of an intensity-, volume-, and time under tension-matched eccentric hamstring exercise intervention with the Romanian deadlift (RDL) and the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) to a sprint-specific training program on hamstring muscle architecture, volume, sprint performance, strength, and power.

Participants will be assigned to complete one of the 3 hamstring interventions for 10 weeks.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Adult Athlete Exercise Training Hypertrophy Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Running Sport Ultrasound Imaging

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States

Location contact

Scott K Crawford, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

608-265-1308

About this study

Prior to the intervention, participants will undergo baseline testing which will include a) ultrasound imaging of the hamstrings muscles for measures of biceps femoris long head fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, anatomical cross-sectional area, and muscle volume b) passive and active ranges of motion, c) 3 repetition maximum (3RM) RDL strength, d) peak NHE force, e) countermovement jump height, f) broad jump distance, g) Pro Agility change of direction, and h) a 60 m sprint with sprint kinematics assessed via inertial measurement units.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either the RDL, NHE, or sprint training group. After randomization, each participant will undergo the intervention program based upon their group allocation.

Performance testing and imaging will be repeated mid-intervention, following the intervention, and after 2 weeks of deloading.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18-25 years
  • Actively participating in a club team
  • >6 months experience with resistance training
  • Minimum of 1 year experience at the high school level in organized team sport
  • No history of hamstring injury within the last 6 months
  • No history of major lower extremity surgery (including back)
  • No acute musculoskeletal injury to the lower extremity
  • Not currently pregnant

Exclusion criteria

  • Unable to refrain from resistance training outside the study
  • Unable to make at least 80% of the training sessions
  • Hamstring injury in the last 6 months
  • History of major lower extremity surgery (including back)
  • Acute musculoskeletal injury to the lower extremity
  • Currently pregnant

Treatment and study plan

RDL

Other

The RDL will be performed with a 6 second eccentric component with the athlete returning to the start position with a maximal concentric hip extension.

NHE

Other

The NHE will be performed with a 6 second eccentric component.

Sprint testing

Other

The sprint training program will be performed twice per week with the first day of training focused on shorter distances to focus on acceleration and the second training day focused on maximal velocity. The relative efforts and distances for each training day will mimic a similar prescription to that of the resistance training program.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in fascicle length (FL)

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

  2. Change in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA)

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

  3. Change in muscle volume

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

  4. Change in pennation angle (PA)

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in eccentric strength

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

    Eccentric hamstring strength of each limb will be assessed during the hamstring exercise.

  2. Change in inertial measurement units (IMU)-based sprinting biomechanics

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

    Sprinting biomechanics will be assessed using seven IMUs (sacrum, both thighs, both shanks, both feet). Lower extremity joint motions referenced to upright stance will be calculated throughout an on-field sprint and other football drills.

  3. Change in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

  4. Change in standing broad jump (SBJ) performance

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

  5. Change in change of direction (CoD) performance

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

  6. Change in range of motion (ROM) performance

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

  7. Change in hip flexion

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

  8. Change in anterior pelvic tilt

    Time frame: Baseline to Mid-intervention (6 weeks), Post-intervention (10 weeks), and Post 2 week de-training (12 weeks)

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Scott K Crawford, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

608) 265-1308

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Other

Collaborators

  • National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Foundation

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison Between Eccentric Hamstring Strength Training and Sprint-Specific Training on Muscle Hypertrophy, Strength, Power, and Sprint Performance in Club Sport Collegiate Athletes

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jul 21, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 21, 2026

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

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

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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