RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Performing Nordic hamstring strength testing with additional weight affects the maximal eccentric force measured: do not compare apples to oranges JF BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine JO BMJ OPEN SP EX MED FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP e001699 DO 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001699 VO 9 IS 4 A1 Amundsen, Roar A1 Møller, Merete A1 Bahr, Roald YR 2023 UL http://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/9/4/e001699.abstract AB Background Nordic hamstring test devices are commonly used to measure maximal eccentric hamstring force. The ability to control the final phase of the exercise has been adopted as a criterion to add weight when testing, without substantial evidence. We investigated if adding weight affected the maximal force measured, and if there were differences between players who could and could not control the final phase.Methods Female (n=84) and male (n=56) football players performed a Nordic hamstring strength test with 0, 5 and 10 kg. We used visual inspection to assess the ability to control the final phase (approximately last 20°), as per previously published studies.Results Maximal force was higher when tested with 5 kg (females: +8 N (2%), p<0.001; males: +18 N (4%), p<0.001) and 10 kg (females: +17 N (5%), p<0.001; males: +27 N (6%), p<0.001) compared with 0 kg. This was the case for both groups, those who could control the final phase (5 kg: +16 N (4%), p<0.001; 10 kg: +28 N (7%), p<0.001) and those who could not (5 kg: +9 N (3%), p<0.001; 10 kg: +15 N (4%), p<0.001).Conclusion Both players who could and could not control the final phase of the Nordic hamstring test demonstrated higher maximal force when adding weight to testing. Therefore, this should not be used to decide if players should perform testing with or without weight. Either all participants or none should be tested with weight, and the same approach should be used both for pre-testing and post-testing.Data are available upon reasonable request. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.