The Effect of Combining Blood Flow Restriction with the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Hamstring Strength: Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: It is a matter of curiosity what effect the blood flow restriction (BFR) method, which is usually combined with low-intensity resistance exercises, will have when used with high-intensity eccentric exercises. (2) Methods: The present study examined the effects of combining BFR with nordic hamstring exercises (NHEs) on hamstring muscle strength, bilateral deficit (BLD), and training volume. Thirty young female volleyball players, who trained three times a week, participated voluntarily in the study. These players were stratified into three groups, each comprising ten individuals: a control group (CG), an NHE group, and an NHE + BFR group. Hamstring muscle strength and BLD values were determined using an H-BORD device, while training volume was measured in terms of sets and repetitions. (3) Results: Statistical analysis revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in non-dominant and dominant leg peak torque parameters in the exercise groups (F = 2.65; p = 0.097; ηp2 = 0.17; F = 1.15; p = 0.0334; ηp2 = 0.084), while the total training volume was lower in the NHE + BFR group. (4) Conclusions: As a result, it was seen that adding the BFR method to NHE did not provide additional gains. However, due to the low training volume of BFR + NHE, it may be recommended to apply BFR together with NHE to athlete groups.

An Exercise Prescription for COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 is an alarming public health concern worldwide. COVID-19 is highly contagious and has no approved treatment or vaccine yet. Therefore, the best strategy is prevention. Studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, balanced eating, and quality sleep are the key elements for protection from this disease. We are going through a distressful period as a nation and as the human race in general. We need to manage this period in the best way possible in physiological and psychological terms. Physical activity is one of the major steps in managing this period in a healthy way. Individuals should be provided information about exercise so that they can perform correct physical activities within their means. This article presents an exercise prescription that can be followed in the days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do the exercises performed with a theraband have an effect on knee muscle strength balances?

BACKGROUND: In the current literature, exercises performed using fitness equipment and body weight have been used in order to decrease the bilateral deficit (BLD) and increase the hamstring-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio. No studies have previously investigated the effect of therabands, which are both portable and practical to be used anywhere, in regard to the BLD and H/Q ratio. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of several 10-week lower extremity exercises performed through therabands on the BLD and H/Q ratio. METHODS: Twenty-seven voluntary male soccer players participated in the study. The players were categorized into the control group (CG) (n= 14) and the theraband exercise group (TBG) (n= 13). Theraband exercises for the lower extremity were performed by the soccer players in the TBG for four days every week over a 10-week period. The dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) leg concentric extension and flexion of the soccer players were determined through an isokinetic dynamometer at 30∘s-1 and 240∘s-1 angular velocities. The data were analyzed through SPSS 24. To determine the difference between the BLD, H/Q ratios, and pre- and post-test of peak torque (PT), the Wilcoxon test was employed. RESULTS: As a result of the analysis, it was found that the BLD for the TBG decreased, which was statistically significant (p< 0.05), whereas there were no statistically significant differences for the H/Q ratio for both the CG and TBG; the D and ND leg H/Q rate of the TBG at 240∘s-1 angular velocity increased in the post-test. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the exercises performed with the theraband were extremely efficient at increasing the PT and decreasing the BLD.

Does individual-specific strength training have an effect upon knee muscle strength balances? Knee muscle strength balances.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 8-week individual-specific strength exercises on knee muscle strength balance. METHODS: Totally 42 male voluntary amateur soccer players participated in the study. The players were categorized into 3 groups with 14 members in each one; the control group (CG), maximal strength training group (STG) and individual-specific strength training group (ISTG). The players in both STG and ISTG performed strength exercises for lower extremity for 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) leg concentric extension and concentric flexion of the players were determined by means of isokinetic dynamometer called 'Biodex' at 60°s-1, 180°s-1 and 300°s-1 angular velocities. Wilcoxon test was conducted to determine the differences between pre-test and post-test of the groups. RESULTS: Dominant and non-dominant leg H/Q ratio was specified to increase in ISTG at 60°s-1, 180°s-1 and 300°s-1 angular velocities (p<0.05). Although no statistically significant difference was found in terms of bilateral deficit in any groups, BLD was noticed to decrease significantly in dominant and non-dominant legs in ISTG group. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, it was determined that in STG and ISTG considering the strength deficits of the athletes was to increase the H/Q ratio and reduce BLD, yet the H/Q ratios and BLD yielded a better improvement in ISTG, and thus leading a more effective method in individual training.