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Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
The effect of stretching neural structures on grade one hamstring injuries
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Adding the slump stretch technique to traditional treatment significantly improved recovery for professional Australian football players with hamstring injuries. This enhanced approach led to faster return to full function compared to traditional methods alone.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Grade I hamstring injuries are common in professional athletes.
- Neural tension, assessed via the slump test, may influence hamstring injury recovery.
- Traditional treatment protocols exist for hamstring strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of traditional treatment versus traditional treatment augmented with the slump stretch technique for grade I hamstring injuries.
- To evaluate the impact of incorporating a neural tension test (slump test) into the assessment and treatment of hamstring injuries.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 28 professional Australian Rules football players with grade I hamstring injuries and positive slump test results.
- Two groups were formed: 16 players received traditional treatment, and 12 players received traditional treatment plus the slump stretch technique.
- Functional recovery was the primary outcome measure.
Main Results:
- The group receiving traditional treatment plus the slump stretch technique showed significantly greater effectiveness (p < 0.001) in restoring players to full function.
- The addition of the slump stretch technique demonstrated a superior outcome compared to the traditional treatment regimen alone.
Conclusions:
- The slump stretch technique, when added to traditional treatment, is more effective for managing grade I hamstring injuries in professional athletes.
- The authors recommend the slump test become a mandatory part of hamstring strain assessment to guide the implementation of more effective treatment strategies.
