Eccentric Training Effects on Hamstrings Structure, Strength, and Sprint Performance

Ultrasound B-mode images will be unilaterally collected from the biceps femoris muscle of the dominant limb for each participant using a commercial ultrasound system and linear array transducer. Standardized image locations will correspond to 33%, 50%, and 67% of the thigh length from the ischial tuberosity.

Three repeat longitudinal extended-field-of-view images of the entire biceps femoris muscle will be collected for offline analysis for fascicle length, muscle thickness, and pennation angle. Transverse extended-field-of-view images will be captured at the proximal, mid-belly, and distal locations to determine regional anatomical cross-sectional area of the biceps femoris long head muscle.

To determine changes in tissue stiffness via ultrasound shear wave speed, the same transducer will be placed in the same locations in a longitudinal view. Shear wave maps will be generated by the ultrasound system and shear wave speed measures extracted from the middle of the map.

Prior to each test, participants will perform a standardized 5-minute general warm-up followed by a task-specific warm-up including 3 sets of submaximal trials. Load increases (5-20%) will be added for each RDL 3-repetition maximum trial attempt until the participant cannot complete 3 repetitions through the full range of motion using proper technique. A 3-minute rest will be administered between all warm-up and testing sets to allow for full recovery.

Participants will kneel on a commercial device used to assess maximum eccentric knee flexor strength via uniaxial load cells with their ankles secured into fixed hooks. Participants will slowly lower their torso to the ground with arms crossed across their chest and without bending at the hips or spine. The maximal test will consist of 1 set of 3 maximal repetitions. If participants can control lower themselves to the ground, then they will hold barbell plates (5-10 lb increments) across their chest while performing the NHE.

Following a standardized warm-up, inertial measurement units (IMUs) will be placed on the sternum, sacrum, and bilaterally on the thighs, legs, and foot. Each participant will perform a total of 3 maximal 60 m sprints from a standing position with 1.5-3 min rest in between each trial to minimize the effects of fatigue.

The RDL intervention will be performed twice per week for 6 weeks. Participants will hinge at the hips lowering the bar to just below their patella before reversing the movement. The RDL will be performed with a 6 second eccentric component and returning to the start position with a maximal concentric hip extension.

The NHE will be performed twice per week for 6 weeks. Participants will be instructed to maintain their ankles in a dorsiflexed position, lower themselves as close to the ground as possible at a constant and controlled speed while maintaining a neutral position of the hips and trunk, and to cross their arms in front of their chest.