Clinical trial NCT05455346: Eccentric Training Effects on Hamstrings Structure, Strength, and Sprint Performance
Official title: Changes in Biceps Femoris Architecture, Hamstrings Eccentric Strength, and Sprint Performance Following Romanian Deadlift vs. Nordic Hamstring Exercise Intervention
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Exercise Training
Sport
Running
Ultrasound Imaging
Elastography
Healthy
Lead sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2022-07-13
Enrollment: 32
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 25
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: Each eligible participant will be block randomized (1:1 allocation) to either the RDL or the NHE intervention group
Primary purpose: OTHER

Brief summary: The overall goal of this study is to investigate the effects of a 6-week training program between two hamstring exercises-the Romanian deadlift (RDL) and the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE)-on hamstring strain injury risk factors and sprint performance.

Detailed description: Prior to the intervention, participants will report to the lab on one occasion for baseline assessments. During the baseline visit, a) regional measures of biceps femoris long head fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, and anatomical cross-sectional area will be determined using ultrasound, b) baseline NHE strength and 3RM for the RDL will be determined, and c) maximal 60 m sprint performance will be measured.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either the RDL or NHE. After randomization, each participant will undergo the 6 week intervention program based upon their group allocation. Exercises will be performed using a 6 second eccentric (i.e., lowering) contraction.

Following the 6 week intervention, participants would return to the lab for post-intervention assessments of regional hamstring morphology and architecture and sprint testing, which would be carried out in the same manner as baseline assessments. Since fascicle length changes are known to return to baseline values within 2 weeks after the cessation of eccentric training, participants will be asked to return to the lab following a 2 week detraining period where final imaging, strength, and sprint performance assessments will be determined.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-25 years of age
* Have \>6 months experience in resistance training

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of hamstring strain injury within the last 12 months
* History of lower extremity surgery
* Current musculoskeletal injury to the lower extremity
* Females who are currently pregnant
* Individuals who indicate they are unwilling to refrain from novel outside training activities
* Individuals who do not complete 75% (9 out of 12) of the training sessions

Primary outcomes:
measure: Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
timeFrame: Baseline
measure: Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
timeFrame: Post-intervention (6 weeks)
measure: Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
timeFrame: Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Biceps femoris long head pennation angle
timeFrame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
measure: Biceps femoris long head muscle thickness
timeFrame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
measure: Biceps femoris long head anatomical cross sectional area
timeFrame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
measure: Romanian deadlift (RDL) 3-repetition maximal strength
timeFrame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
measure: Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) maximal strength
timeFrame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
measure: Maximal 60 m sprint times
timeFrame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Other outcomes:
measure: Biceps femoris long head regional shear wave speed
timeFrame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
measure: Inertial measurement unit (IMU)-derived trunk, hip, knee, and ankle kinematics
timeFrame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Locations:
city: Madison
country: United States
facility: University of Wisconsin
state: Wisconsin
Study officials:
affiliation: University of Wisconsin, Madison
name: Scott K Crawford, PhD
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References: