The Effects of a Warmup Protocol Involving the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Vertical Squat Jump Height

research poster

Reagan Hunter, Jeff Barfield 

Vertical jumping is one of the most popular ways of assessing athleticism and power output of the lower body in both professional and recreational sport settings. Therefore, having access to an appropriate warmup protocol for enhancing this skill and the power output associated with it is essential for athletes whose success depends on the ability to perform it. Current literature demonstrates similar posterior kinetic chain muscle engagement during the vertical squat jump and during an exercise called the Nordic Hamstring Curl. The literature additionally demonstrates the exercise’s significant effects on strength and athleticism when used in long-term training programs. However, no research has been conducted on the potential acute effects on athletic performance this exercise may yield when used as a warmup protocol. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the effects of a warmup protocol involving the Nordic Hamstring Curl on vertical squat jump height. Participants: The study population will consist of active college age individuals. Methods: Participants will perform a short warmup involving 10 minutes on the stationary bike, 5 vertical squat jumps with a 10-pound dumbbell in each hand, dynamic stretching, and 3 sets of 5 repetitions of the partner Nordic Hamstring Curl to maximal effort with 3 minutes of rest in between the sets for the intervention. The control group will not perform the Nordic Hamstring Curl. Following the assigned warmup protocol, subjects will perform a series of 5 vertical squat jumps on a force plate. Jump heights will be calculated using data obtained from the force plate for the 5 jumps. The study follows a repeated measures randomized control design, and each subject will perform the intervention and control protocols one week apart. Results and Conclusion: Data is currently being collected for this project. It is expected that the Nordic Hamstring Curl intervention warmup will significantly increase vertical squat jump height when compared to the control.            

  • Reagan Hunter is a senior exercise science major with a pre-physical therapy emphasis and is a member of the Honors College. Her achievements include presenting at the SC Upstate Research Symposium and completing a PT internship through Self Regional Healthcare. She will be attending the University of South Florida in the fall to receive her DPT.                

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