Exercise TrainingNCT05455346
Eccentric Training Effects on Hamstrings Structure, Strength, and Sprint Performance
A study testing Ultrasound imaging, Hamstring Eccentric Strength Testing and Maximal 60 m Sprint in people with Exercise Training and Sport, run by University of Wisconsin, Madison at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The overall goal of this study is to investigate the effects of a 6-week training program between two hamstring exercises-the Romanian deadlift (RDL) and the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE)-on hamstring strain injury risk factors and sprint performance. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Exercise Training, Sport, Running
- What is being tested?
- Ultrasound imaging, Hamstring Eccentric Strength Testing and Maximal 60 m Sprint
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 2 Dec 2022to 8 Dec 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 18-25 years of age
- Have >6 months experience in resistance training
Who cannot join
- History of hamstring strain injury within the last 12 months
- History of lower extremity surgery
- Current musculoskeletal injury to the lower extremity
- Females who are currently pregnant
- Individuals who indicate they are unwilling to refrain from novel outside training activities
- Individuals who do not complete 75% (9 out of 12) of the training sessions
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Changes in Biceps Femoris Architecture, Hamstrings Eccentric Strength, and Sprint Performance Following Romanian Deadlift vs. Nordic Hamstring Exercise Intervention
The overall goal of this study is to investigate the effects of a 6-week training program between two hamstring exercises-the Romanian deadlift (RDL) and the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE)-on hamstring strain injury risk factors and sprint performance.
Read the detailed description
Prior to the intervention, participants will report to the lab on one occasion for baseline assessments. During the baseline visit, a) regional measures of biceps femoris long head fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, and anatomical cross-sectional area will be determined using ultrasound, b) baseline NHE strength and 3RM for the RDL will be determined, and c) maximal 60 m sprint performance will be measured.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the RDL or NHE. After randomization, each participant will undergo the 6 week intervention program based upon their group allocation. Exercises will be performed using a 6 second eccentric (i.e., lowering) contraction.
Following the 6 week intervention, participants would return to the lab for post-intervention assessments of regional hamstring morphology and architecture and sprint testing, which would be carried out in the same manner as baseline assessments. Since fascicle length changes are known to return to baseline values within 2 weeks after the cessation of eccentric training, participants will be asked to return to the lab following a 2 week detraining period where final imaging, strength, and sprint performance assessments will be determined.
- Conditions
- Exercise Training, Sport, Running, Ultrasound Imaging, Elastography, Healthy
- Being tested
- Ultrasound imaging, Hamstring Eccentric Strength Testing, Maximal 60 m Sprint, Romanian Deadlift, Nordic hamstring exercise
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ultrasound imagingDiagnostic test
Ultrasound B-mode images will be unilaterally collected from the biceps femoris muscle of the dominant limb for each participant using a commercial ultrasound system and linear array transducer. Standardized image locations will correspond to 33%, 50%, and 67% of the thigh length from the ischial tuberosity.
Three repeat longitudinal extended-field-of-view images of the entire biceps femoris muscle will be collected for offline analysis for fascicle length, muscle thickness, and pennation angle. Transverse extended-field-of-view images will be captured at the proximal, mid-belly, and distal locations to determine regional anatomical cross-sectional area of the biceps femoris long head muscle.
To determine changes in tissue stiffness via ultrasound shear wave speed, the same transducer will be placed in the same locations in a longitudinal view. Shear wave maps will be generated by the ultrasound system and shear wave speed measures extracted from the middle of the map.
Hamstring Eccentric Strength TestingOther
Prior to each test, participants will perform a standardized 5-minute general warm-up followed by a task-specific warm-up including 3 sets of submaximal trials. Load increases (5-20%) will be added for each RDL 3-repetition maximum trial attempt until the participant cannot complete 3 repetitions through the full range of motion using proper technique. A 3-minute rest will be administered between all warm-up and testing sets to allow for full recovery.
Participants will kneel on a commercial device used to assess maximum eccentric knee flexor strength via uniaxial load cells with their ankles secured into fixed hooks. Participants will slowly lower their torso to the ground with arms crossed across their chest and without bending at the hips or spine. The maximal test will consist of 1 set of 3 maximal repetitions. If participants can control lower themselves to the ground, then they will hold barbell plates (5-10 lb increments) across their chest while performing the NHE.
Maximal 60 m SprintOther
Following a standardized warm-up, inertial measurement units (IMUs) will be placed on the sternum, sacrum, and bilaterally on the thighs, legs, and foot. Each participant will perform a total of 3 maximal 60 m sprints from a standing position with 1.5-3 min rest in between each trial to minimize the effects of fatigue.
Romanian DeadliftOther
Also called RDL
The RDL intervention will be performed twice per week for 6 weeks. Participants will hinge at the hips lowering the bar to just below their patella before reversing the movement. The RDL will be performed with a 6 second eccentric component and returning to the start position with a maximal concentric hip extension.
Nordic hamstring exerciseOther
Also called NHE
The NHE will be performed twice per week for 6 weeks. Participants will be instructed to maintain their ankles in a dorsiflexed position, lower themselves as close to the ground as possible at a constant and controlled speed while maintaining a neutral position of the hips and trunk, and to cross their arms in front of their chest.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Romanian Deadlift | Experimental | The training intervention groups will undergo the same program with the only difference being the interventional hamstring exercise. The program will consist of a 2-week acclimatization period followed by 4-weeks of progressive training. The RDL will be performed with a 6 second eccentric component with the athlete returning to the start position with a maximal concentric hip extension. Receives: Diagnostic Test: Ultrasound imaging; Other: Hamstring Eccentric Strength Testing; Other: Maximal 60 m Sprint; Other: Romanian Deadlift |
| Nordic Hamstring Exercise | Active comparator | The training intervention groups will undergo the same program with the only difference being the interventional hamstring exercise. The program will consist of a 2-week acclimatization period followed by 4-weeks of progressive training. During the acclimatization period, the relative intensity will be lower compared to the 4-week progressive training to ensure each participant performs the exercise with proper technique. During the subsequent progressive training weeks, the participants will perform the NHE without the bands. Receives: Diagnostic Test: Ultrasound imaging; Other: Hamstring Eccentric Strength Testing; Other: Maximal 60 m Sprint; Other: Nordic hamstring exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
Measured: Baseline
Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
Measured: Post-intervention (6 weeks)
Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
Measured: Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Secondary outcomes (6)
Biceps femoris long head pennation angle
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Biceps femoris long head muscle thickness
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Biceps femoris long head anatomical cross sectional area
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Romanian deadlift (RDL) 3-repetition maximal strength
Maximum weight lifted for 3 repetitions during the RDL
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) maximal strength
Maximal eccentric force measured by Nordbord device during NHE
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Maximal 60 m sprint times
Fastest 60 m sprint times with interval split times
Measured: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Jul 2022
- Study start2 Dec 2022
- Primary completion8 Dec 2023
- Study completion8 Dec 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Exercise TrainingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Each eligible participant will be block randomized (1:1 allocation) to either the RDL or the NHE intervention group
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Scott K Crawford, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Wisconsin, Madison
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05455346
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2022-0763
- Other IDs
- Protocol Version 2/27/2023, A176000
- Status last verified
- Dec 2023
- First submitted
- 7 Jul 2022
- Last updated
- 21 Dec 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Crawford SK, Sandberg C, Vlisides J, Thompson Q, Mosiman SJ, Heiderscheit BC, Hickey JT. Hamstrings Muscle Architecture and Morphology Following 6 wk of an Eccentrically Biased Romanian Deadlift or Nordic Hamstring Exercise Intervention. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2025 Aug 1;57(8):1799-1809. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003701. Epub 2025 May 14.
PubMed 40085810Crawford SK, Hickey J, Vlisides J, Chambers JS, Mosiman SJ, Heiderscheit BC. The effects of hip- vs. knee-dominant hamstring exercise on biceps femoris morphology, strength, and sprint performance: a randomized intervention trial protocol. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2023 Jun 26;15(1):72. doi: 10.1186/s13102-023-00680-w.
PubMed 37365624
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Dec 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Changes in Biceps Femoris Architecture, Hamstrings Eccentric Strength, and Sprint Performance Following Romanian Deadlift vs. Nordic Hamstring Exercise Intervention
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05455346
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2022-0763
- Conditions
- Exercise Training, Sport, Running, Ultrasound Imaging, Elastography, Healthy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Wisconsin, MadisonUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Dec 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 8 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 8 Dec 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Jul 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The overall goal of this study is to investigate the effects of a 6-week training program between two hamstring exercises-the Romanian deadlift (RDL) and the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE)-on hamstring strain injury risk factors and sprint performance.
Detailed description
Prior to the intervention, participants will report to the lab on one occasion for baseline assessments. During the baseline visit, a) regional measures of biceps femoris long head fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, and anatomical cross-sectional area will be determined using ultrasound, b) baseline NHE strength and 3RM for the RDL will be determined, and c) maximal 60 m sprint performance will be measured.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the RDL or NHE. After randomization, each participant will undergo the 6 week intervention program based upon their group allocation. Exercises will be performed using a 6 second eccentric (i.e., lowering) contraction.
Following the 6 week intervention, participants would return to the lab for post-intervention assessments of regional hamstring morphology and architecture and sprint testing, which would be carried out in the same manner as baseline assessments. Since fascicle length changes are known to return to baseline values within 2 weeks after the cessation of eccentric training, participants will be asked to return to the lab following a 2 week detraining period where final imaging, strength, and sprint performance assessments will be determined.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Each eligible participant will be block randomized (1:1 allocation) to either the RDL or the NHE intervention group
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Romanian Deadlift | Experimental | Diagnostic Test: Ultrasound imaging, Other: Hamstring Eccentric Strength Testing, Other: Maximal 60 m Sprint, Other: Romanian DeadliftThe training intervention groups will undergo the same program with the only difference being the interventional hamstring exercise. The program will consist of a 2-week acclimatization period followed by 4-weeks of progressive training. The RDL will be performed with a 6 second eccentric component with the athlete returning to the start position with a maximal concentric hip extension. |
| Nordic Hamstring Exercise | Active comparator | Diagnostic Test: Ultrasound imaging, Other: Hamstring Eccentric Strength Testing, Other: Maximal 60 m Sprint, Other: Nordic hamstring exerciseThe training intervention groups will undergo the same program with the only difference being the interventional hamstring exercise. The program will consist of a 2-week acclimatization period followed by 4-weeks of progressive training. During the acclimatization period, the relative intensity will be lower compared to the 4-week progressive training to ensure each participant performs the exercise with proper technique. During the subsequent progressive training weeks, the participants will perform the NHE without the bands. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- 18-25 years of age
- Have >6 months experience in resistance training
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- History of hamstring strain injury within the last 12 months
- History of lower extremity surgery
- Current musculoskeletal injury to the lower extremity
- Females who are currently pregnant
- Individuals who indicate they are unwilling to refrain from novel outside training activities
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound imagingUltrasound B-mode images will be unilaterally collected from the biceps femoris muscle of the dominant limb for each participant using a commercial ultrasound system and linear array transducer. Standardized image locations will correspond to 33%, 50%, and 67% of the thigh length from the ischial tuberosity. Three repeat longitudinal extended-field-of-view images of the entire biceps femoris muscle will be collected for offline analysis for fascicle length, muscle thickness, and pennation angle. Transverse extended-field-of-view images will be captured at the proximal, mid-belly, and distal locations to determine regional anatomical cross-sectional area of the biceps femoris long head muscle. To determine changes in tissue stiffness via ultrasound shear wave speed, the same transducer will be placed in the same locations in a longitudinal view. Shear wave maps will be generated by the ultrasound system and shear wave speed measures extracted from the middle of the map. | Diagnostic test | Nordic Hamstring Exercise, Romanian Deadlift |
| Hamstring Eccentric Strength TestingPrior to each test, participants will perform a standardized 5-minute general warm-up followed by a task-specific warm-up including 3 sets of submaximal trials. Load increases (5-20%) will be added for each RDL 3-repetition maximum trial attempt until the participant cannot complete 3 repetitions through the full range of motion using proper technique. A 3-minute rest will be administered between all warm-up and testing sets to allow for full recovery. Participants will kneel on a commercial device used to assess maximum eccentric knee flexor strength via uniaxial load cells with their ankles secured into fixed hooks. Participants will slowly lower their torso to the ground with arms crossed across their chest and without bending at the hips or spine. The maximal test will consist of 1 set of 3 maximal repetitions. If participants can control lower themselves to the ground, then they will hold barbell plates (5-10 lb increments) across their chest while performing the NHE. | Other | Nordic Hamstring Exercise, Romanian Deadlift |
| Maximal 60 m SprintFollowing a standardized warm-up, inertial measurement units (IMUs) will be placed on the sternum, sacrum, and bilaterally on the thighs, legs, and foot. Each participant will perform a total of 3 maximal 60 m sprints from a standing position with 1.5-3 min rest in between each trial to minimize the effects of fatigue. | Other | Nordic Hamstring Exercise, Romanian Deadlift |
| Romanian DeadliftAlso: RDLThe RDL intervention will be performed twice per week for 6 weeks. Participants will hinge at the hips lowering the bar to just below their patella before reversing the movement. The RDL will be performed with a 6 second eccentric component and returning to the start position with a maximal concentric hip extension. | Other | Romanian Deadlift |
| Nordic hamstring exerciseAlso: NHEThe NHE will be performed twice per week for 6 weeks. Participants will be instructed to maintain their ankles in a dorsiflexed position, lower themselves as close to the ground as possible at a constant and controlled speed while maintaining a neutral position of the hips and trunk, and to cross their arms in front of their chest. | Other | Nordic Hamstring Exercise |
Primary outcome
Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
Time frame: Baseline
Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
Time frame: Post-intervention (6 weeks)
Biceps femoris long head fascicle length
Time frame: Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
6 secondary outcomes
Biceps femoris long head pennation angle
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Biceps femoris long head muscle thickness
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Biceps femoris long head anatomical cross sectional area
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Romanian deadlift (RDL) 3-repetition maximal strength
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) maximal strength
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Maximal 60 m sprint times
Time frame: Baseline, Post-intervention (6 weeks), Post 2 week de-training (8 weeks)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Dec 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40085810Crawford SK, Sandberg C, Vlisides J, Thompson Q, Mosiman SJ, Heiderscheit BC, Hickey JT. Hamstrings Muscle Architecture and Morphology Following 6 wk of an Eccentrically Biased Romanian Deadlift or Nordic Hamstring Exercise Intervention. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2025 Aug 1;57(8):1799-1809. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003701. Epub 2025 May 14.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 37365624Crawford SK, Hickey J, Vlisides J, Chambers JS, Mosiman SJ, Heiderscheit BC. The effects of hip- vs. knee-dominant hamstring exercise on biceps femoris morphology, strength, and sprint performance: a randomized intervention trial protocol. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2023 Jun 26;15(1):72. doi: 10.1186/s13102-023-00680-w.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Scott K Crawford, PhD principal investigator
University of Wisconsin, Madison
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Ultrasound imaging, Hamstring Eccentric Strength Testing and Maximal 60 m Sprint in people with Exercise Training and Sport, run by University of Wisconsin, Madison at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Dec 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Biceps femoris long head fascicle length (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05455346, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Dec 2023.