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Hamstring injuries in Australian football
1University of AlbertaEdmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Summary
Australian football players aged over 23 years and those with less quadriceps flexibility face a higher risk of hamstring injuries, often occurring during sprinting. Early identification of these risk factors is crucial for prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Injury Epidemiology
Background:
- Hamstring injuries are common in Australian football.
- Identifying risk factors is essential for injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for hamstring injuries in community-level Australian football players.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 148 players from 4 Australian football clubs.
- Musculoskeletal tests (flexibility, range of motion, neural mobility) and questionnaires were administered preseason.
- Hamstring injury incidence and exposure (training/match hours) were tracked throughout the season.
Main Results:
- 26 hamstring injuries occurred, with higher incidence during competition (77%) and sprinting (81%).
- Older age (≥23 years) and lower quadriceps flexibility were associated with increased hamstring injury risk.
- Neural mobility and off-season running frequency were not significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Sprinting is a primary mechanism for hamstring injuries in amateur Australian football.
- Age over 23 and reduced quadriceps flexibility are key risk factors.
- Targeted interventions focusing on these factors may reduce hamstring injuries.