Interventions and Viscoelasticity of Hamstring

Effect of Ballistic Stretching, Extender Exercise, and Kinesio Taping on Hamstring Viscoelasticity and Rower Athletic Performance - A Preliminary Study

The study aims to investigate acute effects of ballistic hamstring stretching, hamstring extender exercise, and kinesiotaping application on viscoelasticity of hamstrings and standing long jump performance on rowers.

The study aims to investigate acute effects of ballistic hamstring stretching, hamstring extender exercise, and kinesiotaping application on viscoelasticity of hamstrings and standing long jump performance on rowers. A total of 60 professional rowing athletes were included. Viscoelasticity of hamstrings were assessed by MyotonPRO, Tallinn, Estonia. Athletic performance was assessed by Standing Long Jump Test (SLJT). The athletes were randomly divided into Ballistic Hamstring Stretching Group (n= 20), Hamstring Extender Exercise Group (n= 20), and Kinesiotape Group (n= 20). For balistic hamstring stretching, athletes were asked to reach the floor in the BS group by leaning over in the standing posture without knee flexion. When they feel the tension in hamstring muscle groups, athletes were requested to make small rebounding motion at degrees between 3°-5° for half a minute. For hamstring extender exercise, athletes were asked to apply the exercise 12 repetitions and 3 sets. Kinesiotaping was applied on the hamstring muscle with Y shape and 25% tension force.

Ballistic Stretching, Eccentric exercise, Kinesiotaping, Viscoelasticity, Hamstrings, Athletic Performance, Rowers

Athletes were asked to reach the floor in the BS group by leaning over in the standing posture without knee flexion. When they feel the tension in hamstring muscle groups, athletes were requested to make small rebounding motion at degrees between 3°-5° for half a minute.

Athletes were asked to applied 12 repetitions and 3 sets of hamstring extender exercise. Firstly athlete lies on his/her back. Then, athlete is asked to do 90 degrees of knee and hip flexion at the same time. Finally, the person is expected to perform slow repetitive knee extension to the point of maximal possible extension.

The tones of muscle is described by frequency of muscle or oscillation frequency (Hz). It is examined by the MyotonPro, Tallinn, Estonia.

Stiffness of Muscle is described by reaction to contraction or forces from outside of tissue that may cause the original form to deteriorate. It is examined by the MyotonPro, Tallinn, Estonia.

The elasticity of a muscle is described by a logarithmic reduction of tissue's normal amplitude. It is more related with the dissipation of mechanical energy that arises between the deformation of the tissue and its recovery. It is a biomechanical feature of tissue that is called as elasticity. It is examined by the MyotonPro, Tallinn, Estonia.

It is the time which is called as Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time (ms) between the deformation of the normal shape of the tissue and its return to its original shape. It is examined by the MyotonPro, Tallinn, Estonia.

It is defined as ratio of deterioration and relaxation time of tissue. In case of a continuous stress, tissue regularly stretches over time. This is called as creep. It is examined by the MyotonPro, Tallinn, Estonia.

Athletic Performance is assessed by Standing Long Jump Test. It is a horizontal jump test that measures anaerobic performance.

Inclusion Criteria: Participating to the study in a voluntary basis. Athletes with 14-18 years old. Being a rowing athlete for at least a year. Being an athlete in Fenerbahce Rowing Team and Turkish Divers Club - Rowing Branch. Exclusion Criteria: Having a musculoskeletal injury involving the lower extremity in the last 6 months. Having undergone a surgical operation in the last 6 months. Any limitation in lower extremity range of motion. Failing to complete the Ballistic Hamstring Stretching, Hamstring Extender Exercise or Kinesio taping Application. Wanting to quit from study.