Publications
Acute Effects of Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Hamstring Muscle Strength and Muscle Stiffness in Soccer Players
Authors: Hasan Aka 1, Ilyas Karakas 2, Erkan Ozyilmaz 3, Cengiz Akarceme 1
Affiliations:
- Gazi University, Sport Sciences Faculty, Ankara, Turkiye
- National Defense University, Turkish Military Academy, Turkiye
- Galatasaray Sports Club, Istanbul, Turkiye
Journal: Biotecnia - October 2025, Volume 27, Article no. e2656 (DOI: 10.18633/biotecnia.v27.2656)
-
Field & Applications:
- Sport
- Muscle development / Performance
- Injury prevention
The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) applied to sub-elite soccer players on Hamstring (H) muscle strength values (maximum value and Total Work) and Muscle Stiffness (Semimembrenous and Biceps Femoris) values.
43 sub-elite male (16.50 ± 0.505) soccer players participated in the study voluntarily. Participants’ H muscle strength values were determined with N3 brand device; Muscle Stiffness values were determined with MyotonPRO device. The normalcy analysis of the data acquired in the study was performed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Participants’ pre-test post-test comparisons were determined with the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test.
Based on the statistical analysis, it was identified that NHE utilized to sub-elite soccer players increased the Total Work (right-left leg) value of the H muscle strength values acutely, and the stiffness value of the Biceps Femoris muscle (right-left leg) significantly in the post-test.
It can be concluded that acute application of NHE in soccer players increases H muscle streng and BF muscle stiffness, contributes to performance efficiency, and may serve as a preventive strategy against injuries.
Keywords: strength, sports performance, resistance exercise
NHE applied to sub-elite soccer players significantly increased the TW (right-left leg) value of H muscle strength values acutely and the stiffness (right-left leg) value of the BF muscle in the post-test. It can be said that NHE applied to soccer players is a protective strategy against injuries by increasing the H muscle strength and Muscle Stiffness values acutely.
From a practical standpoint, incorporating NHE into regular training sessions could be beneficial for coaches, and strength and conditioning professionals, seeking to improve performance efficiency and reduce the risk of hamstring-related injuries. It is recommended that NHE be integrated systematically into warm-up or strength training routines, considering training load, athlete experience level, and recovery strategies. Future studies could explore its effects across different age groups, competitive levels, and in combination with other preventive training methods to optimize its application in sports practice.