Hamstring muscle injury: the influence of strength, flexibility, warm-up, and fatigue

Hamstring muscle injury is a complex problem for athletes, physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. This injury tends to recur and to limit participation in athletic competition. The etiology of hamstring muscle injury continues to be confusing and incomplete for clinicians and researchers. The purposes of this paper are: 1) to review briefly hamstring muscle group anatomy and function, 2) to review the clinical and animal research literature concerning the role of strength, flexibility, warm-up, and fatigue in hamstring muscle injury, 3) to present an evaluation and rehabilitation scheme for hamstring muscle injury, 4) to describe a theoretical multiple factor hamstring injury model, and 5) to offer recommendations concerning prevention of hamstring muscle injury. During preseason screening and rehabilitation following hamstring muscle injury, clinicians should consider the influence of hamstring strength, flexibility, warm-up, and fatigue on muscle performance. Additional research concerning these factors is recommended. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1992;16(1):12-18.