Nordic Curl Exercise: A Help To Prevention Of Hamstring Strains

In Judo, as in all sports hamstring strains are one of the most common injuries. They lead to substantial amounts of lost competition and training time.

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Strength coaches are often the ones tasked with managing hamstring strain. Not just to minimize the chances of an injury in the first place but also to reduce future strains. Because having suffered one strain an athlete is much more likely to be injured again.

One technique that is often used is the Nordic curl and recent analysis suggests that it is very effective.

See this infographic from Chris Beardsley from Strength & Conditioning Research HERE.

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Even so, is not quite clear how the Nordic curl produces its benefits.

It is an eccentric exercise so it increases fascicle lengths and short biceps femoris fascicles that are a risk factor. However, some conventional (eccentric-concentric) exercises can cause similar increases that have to date not been identified as having injury-prevention potential.

See this infographic from Chris Beardsley from Strength & Conditioning Research HERE.

Whatever the reason, if you are a Judo or any other sort of competitor and you are prone to hamstring strains and you aren't already using Nordic Curl exercise, it is worthwhile talking to your strength coach and introducing them as we know that they can help.

If you are not familiar with nordic curl exercise The video below should help.

Enjoy
    Sensai
        Richard