Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2015

Thesis Director

John R. Storsved

Abstract

Those athletes who run at high speeds require eccentric strength when the hamstring muscles are in a lengthened state in order to absorb the increased forces, decreasing injury rate and performance deficits (Schmitt, Tyler & McHugh 2012). The purpose of this study was to determine if the intervention of an eccentric hamstring strengthening program would increase peak torque production in eccentric and concentric hamstring and quadriceps movements in Division I Men and Women Varsity soccer players.

Participants included 8 Division I soccer athletes (3 men, 5 women, mean age = 19.3 years (men) and 19.4 years (women), mean height = 71in (men) and 67.4in (women), mean weight = 166lbs (men) and 139.8lbs (women)). A W-Critical (One-Tail) test was run on the peak torque extension and flexion for eccentric and concentric movements comparing pre-test measurements to post-test measurements. A significant mean difference was found for concentric flexion of the non-dominant leg with a mean difference of -9.46. Other significant differences were found for peak torque where the pre-test had higher measurements. This included dominant extension at 150ft/lbs (mean difference = 9.42), dominant eccentric flexion at 60ft/lbs (mean difference = 15.28), non-dominant eccentric flexion at 150ft/lbs (mean difference = 4.74), dominant concentric flexion at 180ft/lbs (5.38) and non-dominant concentric flexion at 180ft/lbs (mean difference = 2.74).

Prior to completing the eccentric hamstring strengthening program, participants self-reported having a total of 63 lower leg injuries. During the spring season, no lower leg injuries were recorded for either men or women. It was concluded from the findings of this study that an eccentric hamstring strength training program had no effect on eccentric peak torque. An increase in non-dominant peak torque for concentric flexion at 60ft/lbs was found.

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