Validity of an inertial system for measuring velocity, force, and power during hamstring exercises performed on a flywheel resistance training device

Abstract

Background Inertial hamstring exercises promote functional changes leading to lower rates of hamstring injuries. However, variable training measurement systems have not been specifically validated for hamstring exercises. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the validity of the Inertial Measurement System (IMS) to measure the velocity, force, and power during the performance of different hamstring exercises on a flywheel resistance training device. Methods Fifteen males (average age: 22.4 ± 2.5 years; body mass: 77.3 ± 9.8 kg; height: 179.5 ± 7.4 cm; weekly physical activity: 434.0 ± 169.2 min; years of strength training: 4.3 ± 2.2 years) performed the bilateral stiff-leg deadlift (SDL), 45° hip extension (HE), and unilateral straight knee bridge (SKB) in two sessions (familiarization and evaluation) with a 1-week interval between them. The velocity, force, and power (average and peak values) in the concentric and eccentric phases for each of the exercises were recorded simultaneously with IMS and MuscleLab. Results Consistency between IMS and MuscleLab was good to excellent for all variables, with r ranges from 0.824 to 0.966 in SDL, from 0.822 to 0.971 in HE, and from 0.806 to 0.969 in SKB. Acceptable levels of agreement between devices were observed in general for all exercises, the “bias” ranging from 1.1% to 13.2%. Although MuscleLab showed higher values than IMS for peak velocity, force and power values, the effect size was only relevant for 5 of the 36 parameters. IMS is a new and valid system to monitor inertial hamstring exercises on a new flywheel device. In this way, IMS could have potential practical applications for any professional or athlete who wants to monitor inertial hamstring exercises.