Effect of a Hamstring Flexibility Program Performed Concurrently During an Elite Canoeist Competition Season

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine de acute effect of an 8-weeks specific hamstring flexibility training on junior canoeist during the competition season. Sixteen canoeists participated, divided into 3 groups: 5 in Experimental Group 1 (EG1), 5 in Experimental Group 2 (EG2) and 6 in a Control Group (CG). The EG1 underwent a supervised program consisted by Simple Static Stretching, Dynamic Static Stretching and P.N.F. while the EG2 performed a program without P.N.F. and no supervision. Two measurements were performed to analyze the effect on the knee joint ROM and trunk flexion; neuromuscular and contractile properties in Biceps Femoris (BF) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles; maximum power and average speed in lower limbs. A mixed-design factorial analysis of variance (p <0.05) was performed and the effect size was calculated. The results show significant improvements (p <0.05) in both legs for knee joint ROM and trunk flexion in EG1 (8.9% and 25.5%; 5.7% and 20.9% in right and left leg respectively) and EG2 (6.7% and 22%; 3.9% and 24.4%), only EG1 improved muscular stiffness in BF (27.4% left leg) and ST (20.5% and 24.3%), and lateral symmetry in BF (49%) without decreasing average speed in lower limbs. All improvements have a large effect size. In conclusion, it is suggested that a supervised hamstring flexibility program performed concurrently during a canoeist competition season can produce an increase in the knee joint ROM and trunk flexion, without negative repercussions in contractile and neuromuscular capacities, maximum power and average velocity in lower limbs.

The influence of static stretching of specific lower limb muscle groups on the jump height parameter of volleyball players aged 16-17: a pilot study

“…Moreover, Álvarez-Yates and García-García also obtained different results. Based on their research conducted among 16 rowers, they surmised that static stretching might have a positive influence as not only does it not disturb but improves the strength-speed parameters[30].On the other hand, further researchers confirmed results recorded in our research. Silva et alsubjected muscles of the sole of the foot to bending among 17 young men.…”

Comprehensive Rehabilitation of the Athlete: A Specific and Purposeful Approach

“…46,47 PNF is another option to improve range of motion. PNF techniques have been shown to increase flexibility in patients with hamstring tightness 48 and increase range of motion in patients with adhesive capsulitis. 49 The most commonly used PNF techniques are contract-relax and hold-relax, which involve alternating isometric muscle contraction of the tight muscle followed by passive lengthening of the tissue to an increased range.…”

Explanatory Model for Elite Canoeists’ Performance Using a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer Based on Detected Lateral Asymmetry

“…For example, trunk flexion asymmetry has been related to higher racing speeds [4]. In point of fact, these asymmetries can already be seen for lower limbs in the junior category [1].…”

“…Canoeists paddle only on one side of the boat, with a single blade paddle, and are always kneeled on the same knee, while the other leg is bent forward in the front area of the canoe. In fact, this asymmetrical feature has already been highlighted by bilateral differences between neuromuscular properties related to upper and lower limbs' strength and mobility [1][2][3][4]. Moreover, with high volumes of training and its specialization, the modality can favor the development of asymmetries in muscle mass distribution and tone [4].…”

“…Therefore, based on the importance that lateral asymmetry seems to have on canoeists' performance, and also on its role for preventing muscle and postural imbalances, we consider it important to explore lateral asymmetries to establish individualized reference values for canoeing athletes. Thus, the aim of this study was threefold: (1) to determine the magnitude and direction of eventual differences in neuromuscular properties, range of motion in upper and lower limbs, and explosive strength asymmetries in female and male high-level canoeists with the international performance level (medalists vs. non-medalists in an official international event); (2) to establish test-specific asymmetry thresholds for neuromuscular properties, range of motion and explosive strength for female and male canoeists; and (3) to determine the relationship of canoeists' asymmetries in neuromuscular properties, range of motion in upper and lower limbs, and explosive-strength test with the level of performance assessed through a specific dynamic test using an electromechanical dynamometer.…”