Journal article
Comparisons of eccentric knee flexor strength and asymmetries across elite, sub-elite and school level cricket players
PeerJ, Vol.4, e1594
2016
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- Comparisons of eccentric knee flexor strength and asymmetries across elite, sub-elite and school level cricket players
- Authors
- Wade J Chalker (Author) - Bond UniversityAnthony J Shield (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyDavid A Opar (Author) - Australian Catholic UniversityJustin W L Keogh (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- PeerJ, Vol.4, e1594; 10
- Publisher
- PeerJ, Ltd.
- Date published
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.7717/peerj.1594
- ISSN
- 2167-8359
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2016 Chalker et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, reproduction and adaptation in any medium and for any purpose provided that it is properly attributed. For attribution, the original author(s), title, publication source (PeerJ) and either DOI or URL of the article must be cited.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449406902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Sport Sciences