Hamstring injuries: risk assessment and injury prevention.

Author: Ross A CLARK ¹
Author Information

1. Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine, School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Australia. raclark@unimelb.edu.au
Publication Type:Journal Article
MeSH: Humans; Risk Assessment; Risk Reduction Behavior; Tendon Injuries; prevention & control; Thigh; injuries
From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2008;37(4):341-346
CountrySingapore
Language:English
Abstract:
INTRODUCTIONHamstring injuries are one of the most common injuries associated with sports participation. The aim of this review is to outline identified risk factors and examine preventative strategies for reducing the occurrence of this form of injury.
METHODSAn electronic search of Medline and SCOPUS was carried out for key words related to the area.
RESULTSA number of risk factors, including both intrinsic and modifiable, were identified. Important aspects of an exercise programme were then outlined based on these risk factors.
CONCLUSIONA programme specifically designed to reduce the risk of hamstring injury by taking a strategised approach to exercise prescription may reduce the risk of hamstring injury. However, further research is required to determine the optimal programme for reducing the risk of injury.