Research article - (2013)12, 431 - 438
Functional and Neuromuscular Changes in the Hamstrings After Drop Jumps and Leg Curls
Nejc Sarabon1,2,, Andrej Panjan2, Jernej Rosker1,2, Borut Fonda2,3
1University of Primorska, Science and Research Centre, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
2S2P, Science to Practice Ltd., Laboratory for Motor Control and Motor Behavior, Ljubljana, Slovenia
3University of Birmingham, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Nejc Sarabon
✉ University of Primorska, Science and Research Centre, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Garibaldijeva 1, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
Email: nejc.sarabon@zrs.upr.si
Received: 28-11-2012 -- Accepted: 09-04-2013
Published (online): 01-09-2013

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to use a holistic approach to investigate changes in jumping performance, kinaesthesia, static balance, isometric strength and fast stepping on spot during a 5-day recovery period, following an acute bout of damaging exercise consisted of drop jumps and leg curls, where specific emphasis was given on the hamstring muscles. Eleven young healthy subjects completed a series of highly intensive damaging exercises for their hamstring muscles. Prior to the exercise, and during the 5-day recovery period, the subjects were tested for biochemical markers (creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase), perceived pain sensation, physical performance (squat jump, counter movement jump, maximal frequency leg stamping, maximal isometric torque production and maximally explosive isometric torque production), kinaesthesia (active torque tracking) and static balance. We observed significant decreases in maximal isometric knee flexion torque production, the rate of torque production, and majority of the parameters for vertical jump performance. No alterations were found in kinaesthesia, static balance and fast stepping on spot. The highest drop in performance and increase in perceived pain sensation generally occurred 24 or 48 hours after the exercise. Damaging exercise substantially alters the neuromuscular functions of the hamstring muscles, which is specifically relevant for sports and rehabilitation experts, as the hamstrings are often stretched to significant lengths, in particular when the knee is extended and hip flexed. These findings are practically important for recovery after high-intensity trainings for hamstring muscles.

Key words: Isometric strength, stamping, balance, kinaesthesia, DOMS, EIMD

Key Points
  • Hamstring function is significantly reduced following specifically damaging exercise.
  • It fully recovers 120 hours after the exercise.
  • Prevention of exercise-induced muscle damage is cruicial for maintaining normal training regime.








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