Which statement describes the hamstring's role during late recovery?

Which statement describes the hamstring's role during late recovery?

• A. Simultaneous concentric hip extension and knee flexion
• B. Eccentric hip extension and knee flexion
• C. Concentric hip flexion and knee extension
• D. Isometric hip extension and knee flexion

Answer: (A)

The hamstrings are two‑joint muscles, so they can shorten across both the hip and knee at the same time. In late recovery, they contract concentrically to extend the hip (drive the thigh backward relative to the trunk) and flex the knee (shorten the lower leg). This simultaneous action helps reposition the leg quickly for an efficient foot strike, improving clearance and preparing for the stance phase. Eccentric actions or opposite joint motions aren’t the primary role here, so the coordinated concentric hip extension and knee flexion best describes the hamstring’s function during late recovery.

The hamstrings are two‑joint muscles, so they can shorten across both the hip and knee at the same time. In late recovery, they contract concentrically to extend the hip (drive the thigh backward relative to the trunk) and flex the knee (shorten the lower leg). This simultaneous action helps reposition the leg quickly for an efficient foot strike, improving clearance and preparing for the stance phase. Eccentric actions or opposite joint motions aren’t the primary role here, so the coordinated concentric hip extension and knee flexion best describes the hamstring’s function during late recovery.