Agius R1, Gauci C1
1University of Malta, Faculty of Health Sciences, Msida, Malta
Background: This study was performed in order to research if eccentric overload and static stretching provide a better hamstring performance in gymnasts when compared to control group.
Purpose: It aimed to discover which of the eccentric overload and static stretching provided a better outcome in improving hamstring performance in gymnasts. The research also identified if gymnasts have been susceptible to any physiological stress, including injuries and menarche, after the six week programme.
Methods: 45 females at the age of nine years and older were coded and asked if they suffered
any previous injuries and if they had the process of menarche. Dynamometry, sit-and-reach test and standing broad jump test were conducted to test hamstring strength, flexibility and power respectively at the beginning of the programme. The participants were divided into three different groups: control group (n=15), eccentric overload group (n=15) and static stretching group (n=15). The groups performed their sessions for a period of six weeks, with testing performed in the intermediate and post-programme stage. Data was analysed using Paired Sample T-Test, through SPSS programme.
Results: There was a significant difference in hamstring performance in both eccentric overload and static stretching when compared to control group (P 0.005). Static stretching shown better significant difference in hamstring performance when compared to eccentric overload group (P 0.005). No injuries and no changes in menarche were noted.
Conclusion(s): In conclusion, static stretching provided a better hamstring performance in gymnasts when compared to eccentric overload regime.
Implications: By way of concluding, the outcome of this dissertation is to provide the opportunity for the comparison of the two mentioned preventative regimes in hamstring performance, specifically strength, flexibility, power and injuries. At the same time, it also provides an answer to various questions established through a number of limited studies, mainly those related to gymnastics. Finally, this study may serve as a platform upon which ideas for a more detailed and specific areas for future research can emerge. That is, it can be applied for both the prevention of hamstring injuries as well as other body parts, to safeguard the well-being of athletes in sports, especially gymnasts.
Keywords: hamstring injuries, gymnastics
Funding acknowledgements: Self-funding
Purpose: It aimed to discover which of the eccentric overload and static stretching provided a better outcome in improving hamstring performance in gymnasts. The research also identified if gymnasts have been susceptible to any physiological stress, including injuries and menarche, after the six week programme.
Methods: 45 females at the age of nine years and older were coded and asked if they suffered
any previous injuries and if they had the process of menarche. Dynamometry, sit-and-reach test and standing broad jump test were conducted to test hamstring strength, flexibility and power respectively at the beginning of the programme. The participants were divided into three different groups: control group (n=15), eccentric overload group (n=15) and static stretching group (n=15). The groups performed their sessions for a period of six weeks, with testing performed in the intermediate and post-programme stage. Data was analysed using Paired Sample T-Test, through SPSS programme.
Results: There was a significant difference in hamstring performance in both eccentric overload and static stretching when compared to control group (P 0.005). Static stretching shown better significant difference in hamstring performance when compared to eccentric overload group (P 0.005). No injuries and no changes in menarche were noted.
Conclusion(s): In conclusion, static stretching provided a better hamstring performance in gymnasts when compared to eccentric overload regime.
Implications: By way of concluding, the outcome of this dissertation is to provide the opportunity for the comparison of the two mentioned preventative regimes in hamstring performance, specifically strength, flexibility, power and injuries. At the same time, it also provides an answer to various questions established through a number of limited studies, mainly those related to gymnastics. Finally, this study may serve as a platform upon which ideas for a more detailed and specific areas for future research can emerge. That is, it can be applied for both the prevention of hamstring injuries as well as other body parts, to safeguard the well-being of athletes in sports, especially gymnasts.
Keywords: hamstring injuries, gymnastics
Funding acknowledgements: Self-funding
Topic: Sport & sports injuries; Musculoskeletal
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: University of Malta
Ethics committee: Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee
Ethics number: FHS68/2016
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
