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.

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.