Rate of Torque and Electromyographic Development During Anticipated Eccentric Contraction Is Lower in Previously Strained Hamstrings

2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Opar ◽  
Morgan D. Williams ◽  
Ryan G. Timmins ◽  
Nuala M. Dear ◽  
Anthony J. Shield
Keyword(s):  
Eccentric Contraction ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Injured Limb ◽  
Myoelectrical Activity ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Hamstring Strain ◽  
History Of ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head ◽  
Torque Development

Background: The effect of prior strain injury on myoelectrical activity of the hamstrings during tasks requiring high rates of torque development has received little attention. Purpose: To determine if recreational athletes with a history of unilateral hamstring strain injury will exhibit lower levels of myoelectrical activity during eccentric contraction, rate of torque development (RTD), and impulse (IMP) at 30, 50, and 100 milliseconds after the onset of myoelectrical activity or torque development in the previously injured limb compared with the uninjured limb. Study Design: Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Twenty-six recreational athletes were recruited. Of these, 13 athletes had a history of unilateral hamstring strain injury (all confined to biceps femoris long head), and 13 had no history of hamstring strain injury. Following familiarization, all athletes undertook isokinetic dynamometry testing and surface electromyography (integrated EMG; iEMG) assessment of the biceps femoris long head and medial hamstrings during eccentric contractions at −60 and −180 deg·s−1. Results: In the injured limb of the injured group, compared with the contralateral uninjured limb, RTD and IMP was lower during −60 deg·s−1 eccentric contractions at 50 milliseconds (RTD: injured limb, 312.27 ± 191.78 N·m·s−1 vs uninjured limb, 518.54 ± 172.81 N·m·s−1, P = .008; IMP: injured limb, 0.73 ± 0.30 N·m·s vs uninjured limb, 0.97 ± 0.23 N·m·s, P = .005) and 100 milliseconds (RTD: injured limb, 280.03 ± 131.42 N·m·s−1 vs uninjured limb, 460.54 ± 152.94 N·m·s−1, P = .001; IMP: injured limb, 2.15 ± 0.89 N·m·s vs uninjured limb, 3.07 ± 0.63 N·m·s, P < .001) after the onset of contraction. Biceps femoris long head muscle activation was lower at 100 milliseconds at both contraction speeds (–60 deg·s−1, normalized iEMG activity [×1000]: injured limb, 26.25 ± 10.11 vs uninjured limb, 33.57 ± 8.29, P = .009; –180 deg·s−1, normalized iEMG activity [×1000]: injured limb, 31.16 ± 10.01 vs uninjured limb, 39.64 ± 8.36, P = .009). Medial hamstring activation did not differ between limbs in the injured group. Comparisons in the uninjured group showed no significant between limbs difference for any variables. Conclusion: Previously injured hamstrings displayed lower RTD and IMP during slow maximal eccentric contraction compared with the contralateral uninjured limb. Lower myoelectrical activity was confined to the biceps femoris long head. Regardless of whether these deficits are the cause of or the result of injury, these findings could have important implications for hamstring strain injury and reinjury. Particularly, given the importance of high levels of muscle activity to bring about specific muscular adaptations, lower levels of myoelectrical activity may limit the adaptive response to rehabilitation interventions and suggest that greater attention be given to neural function of the knee flexors after hamstring strain injury.

Is Biceps Femoris Aponeurosis Size an Independent Risk Factor for Strain Injury?

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (08) ◽  
pp. 552-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandro R. Freitas ◽  
Filipe Abrantes ◽  
Francisco Santos ◽  
Vasco Mascarenhas ◽  
Raúl Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Isometric Strength ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Injured Limb ◽  
Previous Injury ◽  
Knee Flexor ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head

AbstractThis study examined whether professional footballers with previous biceps femoris long head (BFLH) injury in the last 3-years present a smaller proximal aponeurosis (Apo-BFLH) size compared to footballers with no previous injury. We examined the Apo-BFLH and BFLH size using magnetic resonance imaging and tested the knee flexor maximal isometric strength in 80 thighs of 40 footballers. Apo-BFLH size parameters were processed using a semi-automated procedure. Outcomes were compared between thighs with (n=9) vs. without (n=71) previous BFLH injury. No differences were observed between injured and non-injured thighs for the Apo-BFLH and BFLH size parameters (p>0.05) except for Apo-BFLH volume, which was higher in the non-injured thighs of athletes with previous injury (3692.1±2638.4 mm3, p<0.006) compared to the left (2274.1±798.7 mm3) thighs of athletes without previous injury. A higher knee flexor isometric strength was observed in the injured limb of athletes with previous BFLH injury (196.5±31.9 Nm, p<0.003) compared to the left (156.2±31.4 Nm) and right (160.0±31.4 Nm) thighs of non-injured athletes. The present results suggest that BFLH proximal aponeurosis size should not be considered as an independent risk factor for strain injury.

IS BICEPS FEMORIS LONG HEAD APONEUROSIS SIZE A RISK FACTOR FOR HAMSTRING STRAIN INJURY?

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 591.2-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
PE Evangelidis ◽  
GJ Massey ◽  
MT Pain ◽  
JP Folland
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Hamstring Strain ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head

Motion and Strain Along the Musculotendon Junction of the Biceps Femoris: Shortening vs. Lengthening Contractions

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Silder ◽  
Darryl G. Thelen
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Strain ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Lengthening Contractions ◽  
Hamstring Strain ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head ◽  
Shortening Contractions

Acute muscle strain injuries typically occur during active lengthening contractions, and tend to present along or near a musculotendon junction (MTJ) [1]. For example, among sprinters, the majority of hamstring strain injuries involve the proximal MTJ of the biceps femoris long head [1,2]. We have previously shown that post-injury scarring at the MTJ can persist for many months after return to sport [2], which may contribute to the high risk for re-injury associated with these injuries. Thus, it is pertinent to understand why the MTJ is susceptible to injury, and ultimately how post-injury remodeling may alter in-vivo mechanics. The purpose of the current study was to use dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to visualize muscle tissue displacements and mechanical strains during active lengthening contractions in the biceps femoris. We hypothesized that active lengthening contractions would induce greater mechanical strain along the proximal MTJ, when compared to shortening contractions of similar loads and ranges of motion.

Poststretch Isometric Contractions of the Hamstrings: Just a Brief Stretch to Achieve Supramaximal Isometric Force

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Neil Chapman ◽  
John William Whitting ◽  
Suzanne Broadbent ◽  
Zachary Crowley-McHattan ◽  
Rudi Meir
Keyword(s):  
Isometric Contraction ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Isometric Force ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Isometric Contractions ◽  
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽  
Hamstring Strain ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head ◽  
Knee Flexors

Hamstring strain injuries are common in sport. Supramaximal eccentric or high-intensity isometric contractions are favored in hamstring strain injury prevention. The effect of combining these contraction modes in such prevention programs as a poststretch isometric contraction is unknown. Poststretch isometric contractions incorporate an active stretch and result in greater final isometric force than isometric contractions at comparable joint angles. This study compared torque and muscle activation levels between maximal voluntary isometric contraction and maximal poststretch isometric contractions of the knee flexors. Participants (n = 9) completed baseline maximal voluntary isometric contraction at 150° knee flexion and maximal poststretch isometric contractions at 120° knee flexion actively stretching at 60°/s to 150° knee flexion for final isometric contraction. Torque of the knee flexors and surface electromyography root mean square (sEMGRMS) of biceps femoris long head were simultaneously recorded and compared between baseline and poststretch isometric at 150° knee flexion. Torque was 14% greater in the poststretch isometric condition compared with baseline maximal voluntary isometric contraction (42.45 [20.75] N·m, 14% [22.18%], P < .001) without increase in sEMGRMS of biceps femoris long head (−.03 mV, ±.06, P = .130, d = .93). Poststretch isometric contractions resulted in supramaximal levels of poststretch isometric torque without increased activation of biceps femoris long head.

scholarly journals Poor agreement between ultrasound and inbuilt diffusion tensor MRI measures of biceps femoris long head fascicle length

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fearghal P. Behan ◽  
Robin Vermeulen ◽  
Tessa Smith ◽  
Javier Arnaiz ◽  
Rodney Whiteley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Diffusion Tensor Mri ◽  
Poor Agreement ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head

Sciatic Nerve Conductivity is Impaired by Hamstring Strain Injuries

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 803-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina Kouzaki ◽  
Koichi Nakazato ◽  
Masuhiko Mizuno ◽  
Tooru Yonechi ◽  
Yusuke Higo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Conduction Velocity ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Nerve Conduction Velocity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Injured Limb ◽  
Hamstring Strain ◽  
History Of

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess sciatic nerve conductivity in athletes with a history of hamstring strain injuries. Twenty-seven athletes with a history of hamstring strain injuries were included in the injured group. The control group consisted of 16 uninjured participants. We measured the proximal and distal latencies and calculated the sciatic nerve conduction velocity to evaluate neuronal conductivity. The results were expressed as median values and interquartile ranges. Both proximal latency and distal latency of the injured limb in the injured group were significantly longer than those of the uninjured limb (p<0.05). The nerve conduction velocity of the injured limb in the injured group was significantly lower than that of the uninjured limb (p<0.05). There were no significant side-to-side differences in the control group. Sciatic nerve conductivity impairments may exist in athletes with a history of hamstring strain injuries.

Muscle- and Region-Specific Associations Between Muscle Size and Muscular Strength During Hip Extension and Knee Flexion in the Hamstrings

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Raki Kawama ◽  
Masamichi Okudaira ◽  
Hirohiko Maemura ◽  
Satoru Tanigawa
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Hip Extension ◽  
Flexion Strength ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head

Context: Strength deficits of the hamstrings following sports injuries decrease athletic performance and increase the risk of injury recurrence. Previous studies have shown a high correlation between the muscular strength during hip-extension and knee-flexion and total muscle size of the hamstrings. However, it remains unclear which region of the individual hamstring muscles is closely associated with muscular strength. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the size of each region of the individual hamstring muscles and muscular strength during hip extension and knee flexion. Design: Within-subject repeated measures. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Twenty healthy young male volunteers who regularly engaged in sports activities. Outcome Measures: Anatomical cross-sectional areas were acquired from the proximal, middle, and distal regions of the biceps femoris long head, biceps femoris short head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. Hip-extension and knee-flexion strength were measured during maximal voluntary isometric and concentric contractions (angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s). Results: The anatomical cross-sectional area of the distal regions in biceps femoris long head (r = .525–.642) and semitendinosus (r = .567) were significantly correlated with hip-extension strength under all conditions and only at an angular velocity of 180°/s, respectively. Meanwhile, anatomical cross-sectional areas of the distal regions in biceps femoris short head (r = .587–.684) and semimembranosus (r = .569–.576) were closely associated with knee-flexion strength under all conditions. Conclusion: These results suggest that muscle size in the distal regions of biceps femoris long head and semitendinosus greatly contributes to the production of hip-extension strength, whereas that of biceps femoris short head and semimembranosus significantly contributes to the generation of knee-flexion strength. These findings could be useful for designing training and rehabilitation programs to efficiently improve strength deficits following sports injuries such as strain injury and anterior cruciate ligament tears.

Biceps femoris long head muscle fascicle length does not differ between sexes

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (21) ◽  
pp. 2452-2458
Author(s):  
Fearghal P. Behan ◽  
Rachael Moody ◽  
Tejal Sarika Patel ◽  
Edward Lattimore ◽  
Thomas M. Maden-Wilkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Muscle Fascicle ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head

scholarly journals MR biomarkers predict clinical function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (9) ◽  
pp. e897-e909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison M. Barnard ◽  
Rebecca J. Willcocks ◽  
William T. Triplett ◽  
Sean C. Forbes ◽  
Michael J. Daniels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Biceps Femoris Long Head ◽  
Over Time

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential of lower extremity magnetic resonance (MR) biomarkers to serve as endpoints in clinical trials of therapeutics for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by characterizing the longitudinal progression of MR biomarkers over 48 months and assessing their relationship to changes in ambulatory clinical function.MethodsOne hundred sixty participants with DMD were enrolled in this longitudinal, natural history study and underwent MR data acquisition of the lower extremity muscles to determine muscle fat fraction (FF) and MRI T2 biomarkers of disease progression. In addition, 4 tests of ambulatory function were performed. Participants returned for follow-up data collection at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months.ResultsLongitudinal analysis of the MR biomarkers revealed that vastus lateralis FF, vastus lateralis MRI T2, and biceps femoris long head MRI T2 biomarkers were the fastest progressing biomarkers over time in this primarily ambulatory cohort. Biomarker values tended to demonstrate a nonlinear, sigmoidal trajectory over time. The lower extremity biomarkers predicted functional performance 12 and 24 months later, and the magnitude of change in an MR biomarker over time was related to the magnitude of change in function. Vastus lateralis FF, soleus FF, vastus lateralis MRI T2, and biceps femoris long head MRI T2 were the strongest predictors of future loss of function, including loss of ambulation.ConclusionsThis study supports the strong relationship between lower extremity MR biomarkers and measures of clinical function, as well as the ability of MR biomarkers, particularly those from proximal muscles, to predict future ambulatory function and important clinical milestones.ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT01484678.

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