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 exercises—forward lunges on a Bosu® balance trainer and eccentric single leg dead lifts. Maximal peak knee flexion torque was measured at 35°, 45°, 60°, 80°, 90°, and 100° pre- and post-intervention. Significant improvements were observed only at 80° (p= .001;d= .94) along with a nonsignificant trend at 35° (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. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]