Effect of Copenhagen exercise and Nordic hamstring exercise on improving functional balance among athletes

The effects of the Copenhagen exercise (CE) and Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) have been evaluated and shown reduce in injury incidence significantly. However, the effects of the CE or NHE protocol on improving functional balance have not been investigated and yet may be important. Therefore, we will evaluate the effect of CE and NHE on improving functional balance compare to no intervention, among amateur male athletes. Methods: male amateur athletes aged 19–25 years will be randomly assigned to CE and NHE intervention groups (n=20 athletes), CE intervention group (n= 20 athletes), NHE intervention groups (n= 20 athletes) or a control group (n= 20 athletes). The Copenhagen Exercise. The CE exercise is a partner exercise in which the player lies on his or her side with one forearm as support on the floor and the other arm placed along the body. The upper leg is held at approximately hip height of the partner, who holdsthe leg with one arm supporting the ankle and the other supporting the knee. The player then raises his or her body from the field and the lower leg is adducted so that the feet touch each other and the body is in a straight line The body is then lowered halfway to the ground while the foot of the lower leg is lowered so that it just touches the floor without being used for support. The exercise is performed on both sides. The Nordic Hamstring Exercise. The NHE is performed in pairs. Players start in a kneeling position, with the torso from the knees upward held rigid and straight. The training partner ensures that the player’s feet are in contact with the ground throughout the exercise by applying pressure to the player’s heels/lower legs. The player then lowers his upper body to the ground, as slowly as possible to maximize loading in the eccentric phase. Hands and arms are used to break his forward fall and to push him back up after the chest has touched the ground, to minimize loading in the concentric phas. Exercise Prescription for the CE and NHE: Beginner 3 Training Sessions Per Week 1 Set 3-5 Repetitions Intermediate 3 Training Sessions Per Week 1Set 7-10 Repetitions Advanced 3 Training Sessions Per Week 1Set 12-15 Repetitions Compliance will be evaluated according to the players’ rate of participation using an attendance log. The total duration of the intervention is 6 weeks. Intervention administers: Physiotherapist and Senior Physiotherapy students.