A research paper titled “Hamstring injuries in professional men’s football: a 21-season review” by Ekstrand et al. The paper investigates the incidence, burden, and characteristics of hamstring injuries in professional men’s football over a 21-season period from 2001/2002 to 2021/2022. The study aims to provide updated information on the trends and patterns of football hamstring injuries and identify potential risk factors and prevention strategies for these injuries. The research team collected exposure and injury data from professional football clubs across Europe and analyzed the data to determine the incidence, burden, and characteristics of hamstring injuries. The study used the Munich muscle injury classification system to classify hamstring injuries as either structural or functional and to describe the affected muscles. The research paper provides valuable information to coaches, medical staff, and football organizations to help prevent and manage hamstring injuries in professional men’s football.
What are the main risk factors for hamstring injuries in professional football players?
According to this research the main risk factors for hamstring injuries in professional football players include the intensity and volume of high-risk activities such as running and sprinting, which have increased over time. The crowded player calendar, with more international team travel and matches, also compounds the pressure on hamstrings associated with football intensity. Additionally, previous hamstring injury is a strong predictor of future injury.
How can coaches and medical staff prevent and manage hamstring injuries in their teams?
Autors recommends that coaches and medical staff discuss the risk of hamstring injuries with players and implement appropriate programs to prevent and manage them. These programs may include load management in training and matches, making all parties aware of the risk, and ensuring players complete their rehabilitation diligently.
Which was the mechanism of the injury in percentages?
According to the information provided in the paper the most common mechanism of hamstring injury in professional men’s football was running/sprinting, accounting for 62% of structural injuries and 51% of functional injuries. Other mechanisms of injury included kicking, jumping, and stretching. The frequency of injury mechanisms differed significantly between structural and functional injuries (p<0.001).
Conclusion
Based on the information provided in the paper it can be concluded that hamstring injuries are a significant problem in professional men’s football, with increasing incidence and burden over the past 21 seasons. The main risk factors for hamstring injuries include the intensity and volume of high-risk activities such as running and sprinting, which have increased over time, and previous hamstring injuries. Coaches and medical staff can implement appropriate programs to prevent and manage hamstring injuries, but there is currently no evidence-based program to prevent hamstring recurrence.