Effects of a Low Volume Injury Prevention Program on the Hamstring Torque Angle Relationship

The effects of a 4-week lower body injury prevention program on knee muscle torque-angle relationship were examined in soccer players. Twenty men were randomly allocated to either a control (n=10) or training group (n=10). The training group underwent three training sessions per week, comprising 3 sets of 8 repetitions of one open-chain exercise (Nordic curl) and two closed-chain exercisesforward lunges on a Bosu (R) balance trainer and eccentric single leg dead lifts. Maximal peak knee flexion torque was measured at 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, and 100 degrees pre- and post-intervention. Significant improvements were observed only at 80 degrees (p = .001; d = .94) along with a nonsignificant trend at 35 degrees (p = .081; d = .43). As these modifications might protect athletes against muscle and joint injuries, the use of both stable-open and unstable-closed kinetic chain exercises emphasizing eccentric hamstring and knee stabilization actions should be integrated into injury prevention programs in team sports athletes.