Applied Sciences (Sep 2024)

Comparing the Acute Effects of Diagonal Mobilization and Nordic Hamstring Curls on Knee Flexion and Extension Strength: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Parallel Study in Young Soccer Players

  • Rafał Studnicki,
  • Urszula Tomaszewsk,
  • Rita Hansdorfer-Korzon,
  • Adam Kawczyński

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198610
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 19
p. 8610

Abstract

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Background: Understanding the diverse acute effects elicited by physiotherapists in soccer players may be pertinent for enhancing performance and aiding in the mitigation of injury risk. Methods: Fifty regional-level soccer players aged 13 to 15 took part in a randomized double-blind trial. They were allocated randomly to either receive diagonal manual mobilization (DM) treatment or undergo a Nordic hamstring curl (NHC) intervention, designated as the control group. Evaluations were carried out before and after the interventions to gauge standing knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF) strength using the ForceFrame Strength Testing System. The recorded variables encompassed average, maximal force, and maximal impulse for both KE and KF. Results: Following the intervention, evaluations showed no significant differences between groups in KF maximal force (F1,48 = 1.238; p = 0.271; ηp2 = 0.025), KF average force (F1,48 = 0.957; p = 0.333; ηp2 = 0.020), KF maximal impulse (F1,48 = 0.246; p = 0.622; ηp2 = 0.005), KE maximal force (F1,48 = 1.514; p = 0.225; ηp2 = 0.031), KE average force (F1,48 = 0.118; p = 0.733; ηp2 = 0.002), and KE maximal impulse (F1,48 = 2.540; p = 0.118; ηp2 = 0.050). Analysis within the DM group showed significant differences in KF maximal force (24.2 N; p = 0.004), KF average force (23.4 N; p = 0.001), KE maximal force (25.8 N; p = 0.005), KE average force (20.0 N; p = 0.044), and KE maximal impulse (265.9 Ns; p = 0.027), although no significant differences were found in KF maximal impulse (150.1 Ns; p = 0.058). Conclusions: This study indicates that both DM and NHC elicit similar effects on acute responses in KE and KF strength following intervention, although DM shows more favorable adaptations within the group. Perhaps DM could serve as a suitable warm-up strategy in specific circumstances, immediately influencing readiness for strength activities.

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