Loaded Single-Leg Roman Chair Hold Preferentially Increases Biceps Femoris Activation, Whereas the Nordic Hamstring Exercise Emphasises Semitendinosus Activation in Professional Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Background and Objectives: Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are frequent and recurrent in athletes who perform high-speed running. The long head of the biceps femoris (BFlh) is often affected by HSIs. While the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is used for prevention, evidence shows it mainly activates the semitendinosus (ST) instead of the biceps femoris (BF). It was argued that hamstrings may contract isometrically during sprinting's late swing phase; exercises like the single-leg Roman Chair-Hold (RCH) might better mimic sprinting. Limited electromyographic (EMG) data compare NHE and RCH. This study examined EMG activation of BF and ST during both exercises in athletes. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six professional handball players (17 females, 19 males) were randomly assig

SUBMITTER: Yagiz G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12843787 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature