Effectiveness of Single Leg Isometric Bridge and Nordic Hamstring Exercise Testing for Prediction of Hamstring Injury...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Hamstring strength assessment is crucial for predicting hamstring injury (HSI) risk in athletes.
• Previous studies lack data on the modified single leg isometric bridge test (SLIBT) versus the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) for HSI prediction in professional baseball.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if preseason hamstring strength and interlimb asymmetry using SLIBT and NHE predict future HSI in professional baseball players.
• To correlate SLIBT and NHE measures of hamstring strength and interlimb asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving 465 professional baseball players from 8 teams.
• Preseason hamstring strength was assessed using SLIBT and NHE before the 2019, 2021, and 2022 seasons.
• 38 new HSI events were recorded over 751 player-seasons.

Main Results:

• Lower hamstring strength on the injured limb was observed for both SLIBT and NHE compared to healthy players (P < .05).
• NHE strength below 377 N significantly increased HSI risk (RR, 2.49).
• Each 10-N increase in SLIBT and NHE strength reduced HSI risk by 7.4% and 6.2%, respectively; interlimb asymmetry did not predict HSI.

Conclusions:

• Reduced hamstring strength, measured by SLIBT and NHE, is linked to increased HSI risk.
• These strength measures can identify at-risk players for targeted injury mitigation strategies.
• Maximizing player availability through effective HSI prevention is a key outcome.