Abstract
Deficits in hamstring muscle strength and in hip range of motion (ROM) have been considered risk factors for hamstring muscle injuries. However, there is a lack of information on how chronic exposure to regular football training affects hamstring muscle strength and hip ROM. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal effect of football training and competition during a complete season on hamstring muscle strength and hip ROM in football players. A total of 26 semi-professional football players underwent measurements of isometric hamstring muscle strength and passive hip flexion/extension, and internal/external hip rotation (IR/ER) ROM during the football season (pre-season, mid-season, end-season). Compared to pre-season, hamstring muscle strength increased in the dominant (+11.1%, p = 0.002) and non-dominant (+10.5%, p = 0.014) limbs in the mid-season. Compared to mid-season, hamstring strength decreased in the dominant (−9.3%, p = 0.034) limb at end-season. Compared to the pre-season, hip extension ROM decreased in mid-season in the dominant (−31.7%, p = 0.007) and non-dominant (−44.1%, p = 0.004) limbs, and further decreased at end-season (−49.0%, p = 0.006 and −68.0%, p < 0.001) for the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Interlimb asymmetry for hip IR ROM increased by 57.8% (p < 0.002) from pre-season to mid-season. In summary, while hamstring muscle strength increased during the first half of the football season in football players, a progressive reduction in hip extension ROM was observed throughout the season. The reduced hip extension ROM suggests a reduced mobility of the hip flexors, e.g., iliopsoas, produced by the continuous practice of football. Consequently, hip-specific stretching and conditioning exercises programs should be implemented during the football season.
Highlights
IntroductionHamstring muscle injury is a very common type of injury in professional football ( known as soccer in some countries) [1]
The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal effect of football training and match-play during a complete football season on hamstring muscle strength and hip and ankle range of motion (ROM) in semi-professional football players
Confirming our hypothesis, hamstring muscle strength was lower in the pre-season than in the midseason, but an unexpected decline in hamstring muscle strength was found from mid-season to end-season measurements, especially in the dominant limb
Summary
Hamstring muscle injury is a very common type of injury in professional football ( known as soccer in some countries) [1]. A previous study showed that a professional football team of 25 players could expect between 5–7 hamstring muscle injuries per season [2]. The incidence of hamstring muscle injuries in professional football increases over time, at a rate of 2.3% per year [2]. Hamstring muscle strain injuries cause an important loss of time from football training and competition, and result in significant impact on team performance, with long-term financial implications as a result of player unavailability [3].
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