Exploring the Role of Sprint Biomechanics in Hamstring Strain Injuries: A Current Opinion on Existing Concepts and Evidence

Abstract

Hamstring strain injuries are one of the most common injuries in sprint-based sports with the mechanism of injury considered the result of an interaction between applied mechanical strain and the capacity of the muscle to tolerate strain. To date, injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies have frequently focused on enhancing the capacity of the hamstrings to tolerate strain, with little consideration of factors directly influencing mechanical strain. Sprint running biomechanics are one factor proposed to influence the mechanical strain applied to the hamstrings that may be modified (towards reduced strain) within rehabilitation and injury prevention programs. This article aims to explore the theoretical mechanistic link between sprint running mechanics and hamstring strain injury, along with the available supporting evidence. In doing so, it hopes to provide practitioners with an understanding of mechanical parameters that may influence hamstring strain injury whilst also identifying areas for further research exploration.

Fig. 1

Biomechanical model of hamstring strain injury (HSI) highlighting the interaction between factors influencing applied strain and strain capacity

Fig. 2

Pictorial representation of lower limb kinematics across phases of the sprint cycle

Fig. 3

Pictorial representation of key features of back-side running mechanics

Fig. 4

Graphical representation of current evidence detailing links between kinematics and hamstring strain injury. Green boxes indicate evidence from both experimental and modelling studies, yellow boxes indicate evidence from modelling studies only and red boxes indicate a theoretical association with hamstring strain injury with no experimental or modelling studies. ↑ increased, ↓ decreased, APT anterior pelvic tilt, BFLH biceps femoris long head, CoM centre of mass, EMG electromyography, GMax gluteus maximus, GMed gluteus medius, HF hip flexion, HSI hamstring strain injury, MHF maximal hip flexion, n.s.d non-significant difference, vGRF vertical ground reaction force