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Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Biomechanical response to hamstring muscle strain injury
Anthony G Schache1, Tim V Wrigley, Richard Baker
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. anthonys@unimelb.edu.au
Gait & Posture
|November 29, 2008
Summary
Hamstring strains during sprinting often occur in the terminal swing phase due to eccentric contractions. Understanding these biomechanical factors is key for effective rehabilitation after hamstring injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Injury Analysis
Background:
- Hamstring strains are frequent injuries in sprinting.
- Understanding the biomechanics of hamstring failure is crucial for targeted rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biomechanical factors contributing to acute hamstring strains during sprinting.
Main Methods:
- Captured bilateral kinematic and ground reaction force data from a sprinter before and after a hamstring strain.
- Utilized a 3D biomechanical model to compute joint angles, torques, powers, and muscle-tendon unit lengths.
- Analyzed nine pre-injury trials and one injury trial.
Main Results:
- Pre-injury: Greater knee extension and hamstring muscle-tendon unit length in terminal swing on the injured leg.
- Pre-injury: Increased vertical ground reaction force and loading rate, with higher peak hip extensor torque and power during initial stance.
- Injury Trial: Earliest kinematic deviations (trunk and pelvis) observed during mid-stance, suggesting injury onset during the preceding swing phase.
Conclusions:
- Hamstring strains in sprinting are likely initiated during the terminal swing phase.
- The injury mechanism is proposed to be an eccentric contraction of the hamstring muscles.
- The findings highlight the importance of swing phase biomechanics in hamstring strain etiology.
