Description:

This lecture will provide up-to-date evidence for the cause, prevention, and management of hamstring strain injuries (HSI). The hamstrings are the most commonly injured muscle group among athletes who sprint regularly and thus represent a particular burden in sports such as football, soccer, and track. The high rate of injury recurrence suggests that evaluation and treatment of HSI can be improved with a more complete understanding of the injury risk factors and the subsequent structural, neuromuscular, and biomechanical effects of injury.
This lecture will review the biomechanics of the hamstring muscles during sprinting and factors associated with injury, as well as the persistent morphological and functional deficits that contribute to re-injury risk. Scientifically-supported approaches to injury assessment and rehabilitation will be demonstrated, including proper exercise selection and progression.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lecture, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the biomechanical demands placed on the hamstrings during high-speed running.

2. Identify common morphological and functional deficits that remain long-term following a hamstring strain injury.

3. Describe an evidence-based rehabilitation program and return-to-sport progression that minimizes re-injury risk.