Frontal plane pelvic kinematics during high velocity running: Association with hamstring injury history

Hamstring injuries are the most prevalent non-contact soft tissue injury in sports, with a larger portion of injuries being recurrent. The sagittal plane running kinematics correlated to hamstring injury history has been well documented. However, analysis of frontal plane kinematics allows for observation of stability and symmetry. This study aimed to examine the frontal plane running kinematics of elite collegiate level sprinters, with and without previous hamstring injury, compared to healthy counterparts.

Thirty-nine participants performed three 50-m sprints, with three inertial measurement unit sensors placed on the pelvis: one on each iliac crest and one on the sacrum. Participants were classified based on sex, competitive status, and injury history. To investigate differences based on group classification, the data were used to analyze mediolateral motion (relative magnitude of mediolateral acceleration) and asymmetry (difference in acceleration between right and left iliac crests) during each stance phase throughout the run.

Injured sprinters displayed significantly greater mediolateral motion and asymmetry during stances than healthy counterparts.

This study demonstrates that frontal plane running stance dynamics are different in athletes with previous hamstring injury than healthy athletes. These athletes may benefit from rehabilitation strategies targeting postural control and stability during dynamic tasks.