Factors associated with increased propensity for hamstring injury in English Premier League soccer players

The aim of this study was to concurrently model the influence of a number of physical and performance parameters on subsequent incidence of hamstring injury in a squad of English Premier League soccer players. Thirty six healthy, male, elite, professional soccer players (age 22.6+/-5.2 years, height 1.81+/-0.08 m, mass 75.8+/-9.4 kg, lean mass 69.0+/-8.0 kg) were assessed during the first week of pre-season training for anthropometry, flexibility, lower limb strength and power, speed and agility. Over the subsequent 45 week competitive season all hamstring injuries were diagnosed and recorded. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to link individual physical and performance capabilities with propensity to sustain a hamstring injury. A model containing age, lean mass, non-counter movement jump (NCM) performance and active hip flexion range of movement (ROM) was significantly (p<0.05) associated with increased propensity for hamstring injury. Odds for sustaining an injury increased x 1.78 for each 1 year increase in age, x 1.47 for each 1cm increase in NCM and x 1.29 for each 1 degrees decrease in active range of hip flexion. Older, more powerful and less flexible soccer players are at greater risk of sustaining a hamstring injury. Support staff should identify such individuals and make appropriate interventions to minimise risk without compromising performance capabilities.