Poststretch Isometric Contractions of the Hamstrings: Just a Brief Stretch to Achieve Supramaximal Isometric Force

Neil Chapman; John William Whitting; Suzanne Broadbent; Zachary Crowley-McHattan; Rudi Meir

doi:10.1123/jab.2020-0236

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Poststretch Isometric Contractions of the Hamstrings: Just a Brief Stretch to Achieve Supramaximal Isometric Force

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Poststretch Isometric Contractions of the Hamstrings: Just a Brief Stretch to Achieve Supramaximal Isometric Force

Neil Chapman, John William Whitting, Suzanne Broadbent, Zachary Crowley-McHattan and Rudi Meir

Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Vol.37(4), pp.320-326

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2020-0236

PMID: 34271550

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Abstract

high-speed running

injury prevention

muscle strain

residual force enhancement

Hamstring strain injuries are common in sport. Supramaximal eccentric or high-intensity isometric contractions are favored in hamstring strain injury prevention. The effect of combining these contraction modes in such prevention programs as a poststretch isometric contraction is unknown. Poststretch isometric contractions incorporate an active stretch and result in greater final isometric force than isometric contractions at comparable joint angles. This study compared torque and muscle activation levels between maximal voluntary isometric contraction and maximal poststretch isometric contractions of the knee flexors. Participants (n = 9) completed baseline maximal voluntary isometric contraction at 150° knee flexion and maximal poststretch isometric contractions at 120° knee flexion actively stretching at 60°/s to 150° knee flexion for final isometric contraction. Torque of the knee flexors and surface electromyography root mean square (sEMG RMS) of biceps femoris long head were simultaneously recorded and compared between baseline and poststretch isometric at 150° knee flexion. Torque was 14% greater in the poststretch isometric condition compared with baseline maximal voluntary isometric contraction (42.45 [20.75] N·m, 14% [22.18%], P < .001) without increase in sEMG RMS of biceps femoris long head (−.03 mV, ±.06, P = .130, d = .93). Poststretch isometric contractions resulted in supramaximal levels of poststretch isometric torque without increased activation of biceps femoris long head.

Details

Title: Poststretch Isometric Contractions of the Hamstrings: Just a Brief Stretch to Achieve Supramaximal Isometric Force
Authors: Neil Chapman (Author) - Southern Cross University
John William Whitting (Author) - Southern Cross University
Suzanne Broadbent (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Zachary Crowley-McHattan (Author) - Southern Cross University
Rudi Meir (Author) - Southern Cross University
Publication details: Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Vol.37(4), pp.320-326
Publisher: Human Kinetics, Inc.
Date published: 2021
DOI: 10.1123/jab.2020-0236
ISSN: 1543-2688
PMID: 34271550
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99565608802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Biomedical; Sport Sciences

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