Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an eccentric hamstring specific training programme on the percentage of bilateral muscle strength imbalance and maximal vertical jump height. Twenty-four, injury free female rugby union players took part in this study. Participants were split into two groups; intervention group (Nordic Hamstring (NH) (n=13) and control group (n=11)). Both groups completed normal training; the NH group completed a concurrent NH programme for 10 weeks. Pre and post-training concentric/concentric isokinetic testing of peak torque was performed for hamstrings of both legs at 60°/s. Vertical jump height was also assessed. In the NH group, there was a significant decrease in mean percentage bilateral hamstring strength imbalance (pre=10.39 ± 3.53, post=4.63 ± 2.81, p < 0.05). There was also a significant increase in vertical jump height for the NH group (pre=31.22 ± 4.8 cm, post=35.93 ± 4.5 cm, p < 0.05). The NH programme caused favourable adaptations to bilateral hamstring strength imbalance and dynamic lower body performance. A programme based on NH exercise is potentially an effective preventive and rehabilitation tool for hamstring injury.