Running-related hamstring injuries: a neuromuscular approach

Abstract

Hamstring injuries are common in running and sprinting sports and have a high recurrence rate. Prevention and management of these injuries has focused on traditional outcomes of strength, flexibility and endurance. The aim of this review is to explore the stabilising function of the hamstring muscle group, described as increasing the stiffness of the sacro-iliac and the knee joints during weight acceptance of stance. Loss of stability of segments proximal or distal to the hamstring muscles may lead to altered muscle recruitment, potentially increasing the loading of this muscle group and, thereby, posing an increased injury risk. Intrinsic risk factors to be considered are previous knee, groin or lumbopelvic injuries; extrinsic factors include footwear and training surfaces. The effect of physiotherapy interventions on the stabilising function of the hamstrings needs to be investigated. Such research will contribute to a clearer understanding of the reasons for the high injury recurrence rate of this muscle group.

Risk factors for hamstring muscle strain injury in sport: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A total of 36 articles were therefore excluded of the 70 retrieved after the initial search, citation tracking and reference scanning had been performed. Eight review articles were excluded because they were not systematic reviews 17–24. Another two studies were omitted as they were retrospective designs25 26 and a further 11 were excluded on the basis that they had no specific risk factor data for hamstring injury 27–37.…”

The reliability and validity of visual rating of dynamic alignment during lower extremity functional screening tests: a review of the literature

“…3 A lack of dynamic lumbopelvic and knee control is also considered a risk factor for hamstring muscle injuries. 4 Additionally, a link has been shown between kinematics during lower extremity functional tests and function during running and jumping. 5,6 In clinical practice, the assessment of dynamic alignment is predominantly via visual observation.…”

The effects of the Bowen technique on hamstring flexibility over time: A randomised controlled trial

“…Hamstring strains are regularly cited as a sport-related injury (Dadebo et al, 2005;Hoskins and Pollard, 2005), with high risk of recurrence and lengthy recovery times (Gabbe et al, 2005;Sole et al, 2008). Development of pathology and movement dysfunction have been attributed to many intrinsic and extrinsic factors (Alter, 2004).…”