Research

Mixed

Hamstring hypertrophy plays a minimal role in strength transfer between the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) and the stiff-leg deadlift (SDL) in resistance-untrained individuals.

If you want to improve strength in both Nordic Hamstring Exercises and Stiff-Leg Deadlifts, do not rely on just one. Training one exercise will not significantly boost your strength in the other, even if you build muscle. To maximize strength across both knee-flexion and hip-extension movements, you must train both exercises within the same training block.

GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
We conclude that hamstring hypertrophy has a minimal role in strength transfer in resistance-untrained individuals.
Titouan Morin et al. · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 2025

Why this rating

Blinded randomized controlled trial with adequate sample size (n=36) and rigorous measurement (3DUS, 1RM), though preprint status and short duration (9 weeks) limit generalizability.

Source

Minimal Role of Hamstring Hypertrophy in Strength Transfer Between Nordic Hamstring and Stiff-Leg Deadlift: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Titouan Morin et al. · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 2025

DOI 10.1519/jsc.0000000000005159

preprint · n=36
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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