Background. There has been a continual increase in injury rates in cricket, with hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) being the most prominent. Eccentric knee flexor weakness and bilateral asymmetries are major modifiable risk factors for future HSIs. However, there is a lack of data relating to eccentric hamstring strength in cricket at any skill level. The objective of this study was to compare eccentric knee flexor strength and bilateral asymmetries in elite, sub-elite and school level cricket players; and to determine if playing position and limb role influenced these eccentric knee flexor strength indices. Methods. Seventy four male cricket players of three distinct skill levels performed three repetitions of the Nordic hamstring exercise on the experimental device. Strength was assessed as the absolute and relative mean peak force output for both limbs, with bilateral asymmetries. Differences in mean peak force outputs between skill level and playing positions were measured. Results. There were no significant differences between elite, sub-elite and school level athletes for mean peak force and bilateral asymmetries of the knee flexors. There were no significant differences observed between bowler's and batter's mean peak force and bilateral asymmetries. There were no significant differences between front and back limb mean peak force outputs. Discussion. Skill level, playing position and limb role appeared to have no significant effect on eccentric knee flexor strength and bilateral asymmetries. Future research should seek to determine whether eccentric knee flexor strength thresholds are predictive of HSIs in cricket and if specific eccentric knee flexor strengthening can reduce these injuries.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1594 | DOI Listing |
Eur J Sport Sci
February 2025
Department of Sport and Health Sciences and Social Work, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.
Some technical limitations to using the eccentric mode to measure peak eccentric strength of the hamstrings (PTH) were raised. PTH also has limited validity to predict performance or injury risk factor. Therefore, our aim was to compare PTH and other isokinetic variables tested in the eccentric and passive modes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUltrasound Med Biol
January 2025
School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan ROC; Center of Physical Therapy, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ROC. Electronic address:
Objective: This study aimed to validate the ultrasound speckle tracking (UST) algorithm, determine the optimal probe location by comparing normalized cross-correlation (NCC) values of muscle displacement at two locations (proximal vs. middle) of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) using the UST, and investigate the effects of Nordic hamstring curl exercise (NHE) training on BFlh displacement.
Methods: UST efficacy was verified with ex vivo uniaxial testing of porcine leg muscles.
Nutrients
December 2024
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Occupational Therapy, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini, Greece.
Background/objectives: Despite being widely promoted, protein supplementation's overall effectiveness during demanding basketball schedules remains unclear. This study investigated whether increased protein intake can accelerate recovery of muscle function during a 6-day congested basketball microcycle consisting of three consecutive games while accounting for the impact of playing time.
Methods: In a randomized, two-trial, cross-over, double-blind repeated measures design, eighteen male basketball players were assigned to a high (High PT) or a moderate (Mod PT) playing time group and participated in two trials, receiving daily either milk protein (PRO trial) or an isoenergetic amount of carbohydrates.
Transl Sports Med
December 2024
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Persisting deficits are often seen years after an Achilles tendon rupture despite dedicated rehabilitation efforts. A possible reason for reduced function is elongation of the tendon and accompanying shortening of the muscle. Strength training with focus on the eccentric component of loading leads to longer muscle fascicles in healthy persons.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Sports Sci
January 2025
College of Health Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.
Runners often reduce their pace during inclined running to maintain a constant metabolic workload, known as iso-efficiency speed (a speed-incline combination with the same metabolic intensity as level running). This study investigates changes in lower extremity (LE) joint work profiles when running on an incline at iso-efficiency speed. Eleven collegiate distance runners completed a treadmill running task under three conditions (0%, 4%, and 8% incline).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!