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    The Effect of Eccentric or Isometric Training on Strength, Architecture, and Sprinting across an Australian Football Season


    TIMMINS, RYAN G., FILOPOULOS, DEAN, GIANNAKIS, JAKE, NGUYEN, VICTOR, RUDDY, JOSHUA D., Hickey, Jack, MANIAR, NIRAV, POLLARD, CHRISTOPHER W., MORGAN, NICHOLAS, WEAKLEY, JONATHON and OPAR, DAVID A. (2024) The Effect of Eccentric or Isometric Training on Strength, Architecture, and Sprinting across an Australian Football Season. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 56 (3). pp. 564-574. ISSN 0195-9131

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    Abstract

    This study aimed to investigate the effect of an isometric (ISO) or Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) intervention, alongside a sprint training program on hamstring strength, architecture, and sprinting performance in Australian footballers. Methods Twenty-five male athletes undertook NHE ( n = 13) or ISO ( n = 12) training across a 38-wk period (including preseason and in season). Biceps femoris long head (BFlh) architecture, ISO, and eccentric knee flexor strength were assessed at baseline, at the end of preseason (14 wk), and at the conclusion of the intervention. Sprint times and force–velocity profiles were determined at baseline and at the end of preseason. Results After the intervention, both groups had significant improvements in BFlh fascicle length (NHE: 1.16 cm, 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.63 cm, d = 1.88, P < 0.001; ISO: 0.82 cm, 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.06 cm, d = 1.70, P < 0.001), muscle thickness (NHE: 0.11 cm, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.21 cm, d = 0.51, P = 0.032; ISO: 0.21 cm, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.32 cm, d = 0.86, P = 0.002), and eccentric strength (NHE: 83 N, 95% CI = 53 to 114 N, d = 1.79, P < 0.001; ISO: 83 N, 95% CI = 17 to 151 N, d = 1.17, P = 0.018). Both groups also finished the intervention weaker isometrically than they started (NHE: −45 N, 95% CI = −81 to −8 N, d = −1.03, P = 0.022; ISO: −80 N, 95% CI = −104 to −56 N, d = −3.35, P < 0.001). At the end of preseason, the NHE group had improved their 5-m sprint time by 3.3% ± 2.0%), and their maximum horizontal velocity was 3% ± 2.1% greater than the ISO group who saw no changes. Conclusions Both ISO and NHE training with a periodized sprinting program can increase BFlh fascicle length, thickness, and eccentric strength in Australian footballers. NHE training also improves 5-m sprint time and maximum velocity. However, both interventions reduced ISO strength. These findings provide unique, contextually relevant insights into the adaptations possible in semiprofessional athletes.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Eccentric or Isometric Training on Strength; Architecture; Sprinting; Australian Football Season;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Sports Science and Nutrition
    Item ID: 19690
    Identification Number: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003326
    Depositing User: Jack Hickey
    Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2025 13:33
    Journal or Publication Title: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
    Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/19690
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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