Full training but not full function: Isometric hamstring strength deficits identified up to three years following injury in Australian Football athletes

Abstract

Introduction: Reduced pre-season measures of concentric and eccentric hamstring strength have been identified as risk factors for future hamstring injury in soccer and Australian Football. The subsequent implementation of eccentric strength interventions has been shown to modulate this risk. However, the use of standalone pre-season assessments to predict future injury have been questioned with screening now advocated for the identification of existing and persisting deficits which may limit current sports participation. This concept is defined as tertiary prevention – assessments and interventions aimed at identification of persisting deficits following injury which may result in future complications such as recurrence or subsequent injury. The aim of this study was to use a simple and inexpensive method to evaluate unilateral isometric hamstring strength in Australian Football athletes with and without a past-history of hamstring muscle injury sustained within the previous three seasons. This information may inform the implementation of tertiary prevention strategies.