Proximal Neuromuscular Control Protects Against Hamstring Injuries in Male Soccer Players: A Prospective Study With Electromyography Time-Series Analysis During Maximal Sprinting

Abstract

Muscle activity of the core unit during explosive running appeared to be associated with hamstring injury occurrence in male soccer players. Higher amounts of gluteal and trunk muscle activity during the airborne phases of sprinting were associated with a lower risk of hamstring injuries during follow-up. Hence, the present results provide a basis for improved, evidence-based rehabilitation and prevention, particularly focusing on increasing neuromuscular control of the gluteal and trunk muscles during sport-specific activities (eg, sprint drills, agility drills).

Late swing or early stance? A narrative review of hamstring injury mechanisms during high‐speed running

“…The same authors also found differences in muscle excitation between subsequently injured and uninjured soccer athletes, that were again constrained to the swing phase. 65 During mid-swing, injured athletes showed significantly lower muscle excitation of the trunk, and lower gluteal excitation during late swing. Again, no differences were observed between injured and non-injured athletes during stance.…”

“…No kinematic differences were found between subsequently injured and uninjured athletes during the stance phase. The same authors also found differences in muscle excitation between subsequently injured and uninjured soccer athletes, that were again constrained to the swing phase . During mid‐swing, injured athletes showed significantly lower muscle excitation of the trunk, and lower gluteal excitation during late swing.…”

Can we spread the risk? A demand-share perspective to sustained hamstring health

“…Concerns also exist of whether evidence-based interventions are actually adopted within professional clubs (Bahr et al, 2015) or if reporting of time lost to HSI is more sensitive (Eirale, 2018), making accurate comparison with previous decades challenging. The apparent ongoing rise in HSI is clearly complex, and although there is general consensus on the multi-factorial aetiology of HSI (Sole et al, 2008;Thorborg, 2014), this extensive (Opar et al, 2012) and increasing list of risk factors (Mendiguchía et al, 2015;Schuermans et al, 2017a;Timmins et al, 2015a), may only appear to further confound those seeking to keep their players injury free. Therefore, despite extensive sports injury research, which has arguably stemmed the tide of injury as a whole, the complex and sustained problem of HSI not only endures, but worsens.…”

Does a bounding exercise program prevent hamstring injuries in adult male soccer players? – A cluster‐RCT

“…Recent studies suggest that the timing of hamstring muscle activation and the timing and amplitude of gluteal and abdominal muscle activation are important for preventing hamstring injuries. Both can be improved by plyometric exercises . These exercises strengthen the elastic properties of connective tissue, increase motor unit activation, increase passive tension of the muscle‐tendon complex, and improve cross‐bridge mechanics .…”

“…Both can be improved by plyometric exercises. 19,20 These exercises strengthen the elastic properties of connective tissue, increase motor unit activation, increase passive tension of the muscle-tendon complex, and improve cross-bridge mechanics. 21,22 This improves eccentric strength, joint stiffness, and neuromuscular control, all variables associated with the occurrence of hamstring injuries.…”