Return-to-play criteria following a hamstring injury in professional football: a scoping review

Abstract

The present scoping review aims to describe the available criteria to determine Return-To-Play (RTP), propose methodological considerations and new research questions, and provide information to help practitioners in professional football make informed decisions regarding RTP following a hamstring strain injury (HSI) in professional male football. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, MEDLINE, web of science and SPORTDiscus using keywords related to HSI in elite football. All types of studies in English reporting at least one RTP criterion for professional football players who sustained an HSI were included. In total, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. RTP criteria were divided into three categories: clinical, strength and performance criteria. Clinical criteria were also divided into sub-categories: absence of pain, hamstring flexibility, medical staff clearance, psychological readiness, surgeon's opinion and imaging. Practitioners working in professional male football could benefit from using a combination of criteria in their RTP battery of tests.

Keywords: Hamstring muscles; football; rehabilitation; return to sport; sports medicine.