Nordic hamstring training cuts soccer injury risk by about 70%, study finds
A review of 54 trials found Nordic hamstring training reduced hamstring-injury incidence by about 70% in four trials. Plyometric and combined programs improved sprint measures, while Nordic training increased knee-flexor strength.
Reviewers included 54 trials involving soccer players aged 13 or older. Across four trials, Nordic hamstring training reduced hamstring-injury incidence by about 70%; plyometric bounding did not reduce incidence.1
Across training types, the pooled results showed gains in sprint and vertical-jump measures. Subgroup analysis found that plyometric and combined programs improved sprint, while Nordic training did not show a significant sprint gain in two underpowered trials.1
Nordic training also increased eccentric knee-flexor strength, and the authors said the approaches served complementary goals.1
