Hamstring strain injury (HSI) is the most common injury type in a number of sports 4,9,17 and is notorious for its high recurrence rate. A high proportion of HSIs are thought to occur during the terminal swing phase of high-speed running, 5 when the hamstrings are required to perform a forceful eccentric contraction. 20,23 Lower eccentric knee flexor strength has been reported as a risk factor for future HSI,8,19 indicating the importance of eccentric strength for HSI avoidance. 3,18 Further, previously strained hamstrings display reduced levels of eccentric knee flexor strength compared to those in the uninjured contralateral limb, 7,13 which may partially explain why a previous HSI is the primary risk factor for future injury. 2Currently, the gold standard measure for the assessment of eccentric knee flexor strength is isokinetic dynamometry. 1 However, this technique is limited by the high cost of the device and, therefore, its lack of widespread availability. Although handheld dynamometers have become a popular field-based alternative, they require operator skill and strength to collect reliable and valid data. 22The purposes of this investigation were (1) to determine if a novel device, designed to measure eccentric knee flexor strength via the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE), would display acceptable test-retest reliability; (2) to determine normative values for eccentric knee flexor strength derived from the device in in-T T STUDY DESIGN: Reliability and case-control injury study. T T OBJECTIVES:To determine if a novel device designed to measure eccentric knee flexor strength via the Nordic hamstring exercise displays acceptable test-retest reliability; to determine normative values for eccentric knee flexor strength derived from the device in individuals without a history of hamstring strain injury (HSI); and to determine if the device can detect weakness in elite athletes with a previous history of unilateral HSI. T T BACKGROUND: HSI and reinjury are the most common cause of lost playing time in a number of sports. Eccentric knee flexor weakness is a major modifiable risk factor for future HSI. However, at present, there is a lack of easily accessible equipment to assess eccentric knee flexor strength. T T METHODS:Thirty recreationally active males without a history of HSI completed the Nordic hamstring exercise on the device on 2 separate occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients, typical error, typical error as a coefficient of variation, and minimal detectable change at a 95% confidence level were calculated. Normative strength data were determined using the most reliable measurement. An additional 20 elite athletes with a unilateral history of HSI within the previous 12 months performed the Nordic hamstring exercise on the device to determine if residual eccentric muscle weakness existed in the previously injured limb. T T RESULTS:The device displayed high to moderate reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.83-0.90; typical error, 21.7-27.5 N; typical error as a coefficient of varia...

BackgroundThere is good evidence to suggest that performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) use is increasing in Australia and that there is an increase in those using PIEDs who have never used another illicit substance. Peers have always been an important source of information in this group, though the rise of the Internet, and the increased use of Internet forums amongst substance consumers to share harm reduction information, means that PIED users may have access to a large array of views and opinions. The aim of this study was to explore the type of information that PIED users seek and share on these forums.MethodsAn online search was conducted to identify online forums that discussed PIED use. Three discussion forums were included in this study: aussiegymjunkies.com, bodybuildingforums.com.au, and brotherhoodofpain.com. The primary source of data for this study was the ‘threads’ from the online forums. Threads were thematically analysed for overall content, leading to the identification of themes.ResultsOne hundred thirty-four threads and 1716 individual posts from 450 unique avatars were included in this analysis. Two themes were identified: (1) personal experiences and advice and (2) referral to services and referral to the scientific literature.ConclusionsInternet forums are an accessible way for members of the PIED community to seek and share information to reduce the harms associated with PIED use. Forum members show concern for both their own and others’ use and, where they lack information, will recommend seeking information from medical professionals. Anecdotal evidence is given high credence though the findings from the scientific literature are used to support opinions. The engagement of health professionals within forums could prove a useful strategy for engaging with this population to provide harm reduction interventions, particularly as forum members are clearly seeking further reliable information, and peers may act as a conduit between users and the health and medical profession.

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