Altered muscle activation following hamstring injuries

Abstract

The earlier onset of the injured and the uninjured hamstrings in preparation for single leg stance of the HG in comparison with the CG suggests an alteration in the motor control of these muscles. Altered neuromuscular control following a hamstring injury may be a factor to be considered in the rehabilitation of hamstring injuries.

Rehabilitation of Acute Hamstring Strain Injuries

“…60 This shift in force production may help to restore optimal musculotendon length for tension production to reduce risk of injury. In addition, previously injured hamstrings display altered firing patterns, 54 with decreased peak torque production 61 and decreased eccentric strength. 23 Although strengthening the injured hamstring muscle is commonly the focus of rehabilitation programs, a few incorporate training to address adjacent tissues.…”

“…11) -Single-leg dead lift -Single-leg dumbbell hang clean -Modified Nordic curls using resistance cables to facilitate performance of exercise through a greater range of motion (Fig. 12) Criteria for return to sport Pain-free palpation over the site of injury Full concentric and eccentric strength of the hamstrings (compared with the uninjured side) tested in a lengthened position; if using isokinetic strength testing, bilateral deficit should be less than 5% 67 Full concentric and eccentric muscular endurance of the hamstrings (when compared with the uninjured side), tested in a lengthened position; if using isokinetic strength testing, bilateral deficit should be less than 5% 67 Symmetric neuromotor properties (based on isokinetic testing) Angle of peak torque within 5 61 Time to peak torque within 10% side to side 54 No fear or kinesiophobia, as measured by the hamstring active test, or Askling H-test 68 High-speed running drills without experiencing pain or discomfort 66 If patients are not making consistent improvements in strength or progression toward return to play by 12 to 14 weeks, they should be reevaluated by the physician. Adjuncts to rehabilitation may be considered at this time, such as platelet-rich plasma injection, dry needling, or cortisone injection.…”

Asymmetry after Hamstring Injury in English Premier League: Issue Resolved, or Perhaps Not?

“…Inclusion criteria for the HIG were a history of previous hamstring injury in one leg, and occurrence less than two years prior to the study, as in Brughelli et al [5]. Exclusion criteria were the presence of lower limb or lumbar spine pathology at the time of study; chronic lumbar spine pathology; history of hamstring muscle or lumbar spine surgery [24,25] …”

“…Hamstring strain injury can result in a variety of functional deficiencies, altering aspects such as motor control [6], activation patterns [25,26], isokinetic torque development [19] and load distribution during contraction [24]. The most common way of addressing any such deficits is by observing asymmetries between the injured limb and the contralateral side.…”

Hamstring Strain in Soccer Players: Things the Trainer Must Know

“…The causes of hamstring strain are variables involving muscle strength imbalance, inadequate warm up, lack of flexibility, muscle fatigue, and previous strain [9]. Non-contact hamstring injuries are common in sports that include sprinting, acceleration and kicking, and have a high rate of recurrence and decreased performance levels [7,10]. The injury may be caused infrequently, as a result of contact injury, whereas in most cases, it is caused from non-contact injury, that is, due to forceful stretching [4].…”