Publication Date
2021
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Exercise Science: Therapeutic
Keywords
Hamstring, Power generation, Stride cycle, Running economy
Disciplines
Musculoskeletal System | Nervous System | Sports Sciences | Therapeutics
Recommended Citation
Hu, Theodore, "The Role of Hamstring Contraction During Running: An Analysis" (2021). Senior Honors Theses. 1134.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1134
Abstract
The hamstring muscle group, spanning the posterior aspect of the proximal lower limb, generates large amounts of contractile force during running. Researchers have examined this power generation within different phases of the stride cycle. Forces generated by the hamstrings hold implications for both running efficiency and the role of strengthening for injury prevention. The goal of this review is to examine the hamstring’s unique physiology as a bi-articular muscle, its role in running stride, various training philosophies, and the specific impact on running economy contributing to overall running performance. The summation of research presented shows that the hamstring muscle group is uniquely positioned to impact overall running performance and that despite common misconceptions, shorter hamstrings are correlated with elevated running performance.
Included in
Musculoskeletal System Commons, Nervous System Commons, Sports Sciences Commons, Therapeutics Commons
