Acute Hamstring Injury Prevention Programs in Eleven-a-Side Football Players Based on Physical Exercises: Systematic Review.

Adolfo Rosado-Portillo,Veronica Perez-Cabezas,Gloria Gonzalez-Medina,Gema Chamorro-Moriana

doi:10.3390/jcm10092029

Adolfo Rosado-Portillo, Veronica Perez-Cabezas + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10092029

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Abstract

(1) Objective: To analyze the exercise programs used to prevent of acute hamstring injuries in eleven-a-side football players, and their effectiveness. (2) Methods: A systematic review (PRISMA) was conducted (2008–2020), including RCTs, that exclusively used physical exercises as a prevention method. (3) Results: Ten studies were selected considering 14 interventions, including nine different programs: FIFA11+ (11+), Harmoknee, eccentric Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) exclusively, with eccentric exercises, with stretching or with proprioceptive, New Warm-up Program (NWP), Bounding Exercise Program (BEP), the only one with no positive results, and proprioceptive exercises. Incidence of injuries and strength were the most considered variables, both with favorable evidences. Programs including NHE, which assessed injury incidence, were always effective. The 11+ program was effective in injury incidence and strength; NWP was effective in balance, stability, and strength. (4) Conclusions: The exercise programs discussed were effective to prevent acute hamstring injuries in football players except BEP and partially Harmoknee. Exercises mostly used to reduce the risk of hamstring injuries are those of eccentric force due to its functionality, especially NHE. Only concentric contractions and isometric contractions obtained significant favorable results. The most complete and promising programs were 11+ (in injury incidence and strength) and NWP (strength, balance, and stability). NWP was the best in strength.

Highlights

Lower limb injuries stand out in sports such as football, where they account for 92% of the total [1,2,3]
The systematic review included an electronic search of Publisher Medline (PUBMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), SCOPUS, and SPORT DISCUS
Following the removal of duplicates, 298 articles were screened by title, abstract, and full-text, according to not being RTCs and not being healthy football players

Summary

Introduction

Lower limb injuries stand out in sports such as football, where they account for 92% of the total [1,2,3]. Nutrition [5], sleep deficit [6], gender [7], physical condition [8], previous injuries [9], etc., among others, are determining factors in injuries, especially in lower limbs In football, it is worth noting the contingency factor or the control of contingencies that occur continuously in competition and that influence the incidence of injuries [4] such as contusions from contact with opponents or falls, joint injuries to the ankles and knee due to twists or poor support on the ground and musculoskeletal injuries (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, adductors) from constant starts, stops, sprints, ball kicks, jumps, etc. The technical team plays a fundamental role in controlling and preventing injuries [10]

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