Velocity-Specific and Mode-Specific Effects of Eccentric Isokinetic Training of the Hamstrings

Ms. Ryan and Ms. Magidow completed this research project in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Masters of Science in the Department of Physical Therapy in the Graduate School, Duke University, 1989 This study examined velocity-specific and mode-specific effects of eccentric isokinetic training of the hamstrings. Female volunteers aged 21 to 40 were assigned to an exercise group (n = 17) or nonexercise group (n = 17). The average force of three concentric and eccentric hamstring contractions was evaluated pre- and post-training at 120 degrees /sec +/- 60 degrees /sec. Subjects trained three times a week for six weeks with 15 maximal eccentric isokinetic contractions at 120 degrees /sec. The ANOVA procedure and T-tests were used to determine the effects of training. A general linear model (GLM) for repeated measures determined the interaction effect between speed and mode. Results showed that the exercise group increased significantly (p < 0.0083) in eccentric force at all tested speeds and increased significantly (p < 0.0083) in concentric force at 120 degrees /sec and 180 degrees /sec. The GLM results showed no interaction effect between speed and mode. The study concluded that eccentric isokinetic training of the hamstrings at 120 degrees /sec is not speed-specific at 120 degrees /sec +/- 60 degrees /sec and is not mode-specific at 120 degrees /sec and 180 degrees /sec. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;13(1):33-39.