Predicting Hamstring Strains in Soccer Players Based on ROM: An Analysis From a Gender Perspective

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Hamstring strain injuries are common in soccer.
• Identifying predictive risk factors for hamstring strain is crucial for prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if specific hip and knee range-of-movement (ROM) tests can predict hamstring strain (HS) injury risk in male and female amateur soccer players.
• To develop predictive models for HS injuries based on ROM measurements.

Main Methods:

• One hundred amateur soccer players (56 men, 44 women) underwent six ROM tests: straight leg raise (SLR), modified Thomas test (TT), hip internal/external rotation, hip abduction/adduction, Nachlas test, and Ridge test.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to build predictive models for HS injuries.
• Injury incidence was recorded, with 20.45% for females and 30.35% for males.

Main Results:

• Logistic regression identified active-SLR and TT as significant predictors for females (R²CS=0.491) and active SLR and ER for males (R²CS=0.623).
• The predictive models achieved high accuracy (95.5% for females, 94.6% for males) with good sensitivity and high specificity.
• Female players exhibited significantly greater ROM than male players (p ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Players with HS injuries showed reduced ROM in SLR, Nachlas, and Ridge tests, and increased ROM in the TT compared to uninjured players.
• SLR and TT are key predictors for HS injury in females, while SLR and ER are key predictors in males.
• Incorporating exercises to enhance hip and knee ROM in training programs is recommended for amateur soccer players to prevent HS injuries.