The Effect Paired Nordic Hamstring and Resistance Band Nordic Hamstring Exercises on Hamstring Muscle Strength and Bilateral Strength Difference in Taekwondo Athletes

Background The study compared the effects of paired Nordic hamstring exercises (NHE) and resistance band NHE on hamstring muscle strength and bilateral strength difference (BLF) in taekwondo athletes. Methods Thirty-two athletes who trained in taekwondo three days a week participated in the study. The participants were divided into three groups: a control group that only did taekwondo training [CG, (n = 12)], a group that did paired NHE in addition to taekwondo training [PNHG, (n = 10)], and a group that did resistance band NHE in addition to taekwondo training [RBNHG, (n = 10)]. While the CG continued with routine taekwondo training, the PNHG and RBNHG groups performed NHE three days a week for six weeks in addition to their taekwondo training. The athletes' hamstring muscle strength and BLF values were determined using the H BORD device. To examine the results of different protocols, pre- and post-test measurements, and the protocol*time interaction effect, a two-way ANOVA test was used for repeated measurements. Results Statistical analysis revealed that both PNHG and RBNHG showed an increase in hamstring muscle strength in the final tests. While no significant difference was observed between PNHG and RBNHG in terms of hamstring muscle strength development, it was determined that RBNHG had a igher percentage of development. Additionally, it was observed that the training volume of RBNHG was higher than that of PNHG. Conclusions When performing NHE, it is recommended to use a resistance band to ensure the correct position, to increase the duration of tension during NHE, and to extend the hamstring breakpoint in NHE.