Eccentric Hamstring Strength Assessment In Collegiate Athletes With Past Hamstring Injury

Hamstring muscle strength weakness has been theorized as a predisposing factor for recurrent hamstring injuries. Residual deficits in eccentric hamstring strength (EHS) have been speculated in those with past hamstring injuries. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess eccentric hamstring strength in collegiate athletes at two velocities within two years following return-to-play. METHODS: Forty-two Division I and III collegiate athletes (age=20.64+1.51yrs; ht=175.93+10.94cm; mass=81.77+18.33kg) with previous hamstring injury performed seated eccentric knee flexion tests at 60 and 180deg/sec. Demographic data was used to assess time from injury and number of injuries. Separate independent t-tests were conducted to determine peak torque per body weight (PT/BW) with variables of time [six months or less (<6mo) and seven months or more (>7mo.)] and number of injuries [one injury (1) and two or more injuries (2)]. Significance was set apriori at p<.05. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between time for PT/BW EHS at 60deg/sec [t= -2.367, p=0.024) (<6mo= 1.41+.22, >7mo. =1.64+.39)]. There was no significant difference between time for PT/BW at 180deg/sec. There was a significant difference between multiple injuries for PT/BW EHS at 60deg/sec [t=-3.392, p=0.002) (one injury= 171.42+37.21, more than one injury= 137.8+22.58)];PT/BW at 180deg/sec [t= -2.600, p=0.015)(one injury= 178.67+46.38, more than one injury= 146.06+30.12)]. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant difference for time and multiple injuries for PT/BW at 60deg/sec. Results indicate that those with multiple injuries have decreased strength compared to those with a single injury. Results may imply that participants may not have full strength upon return to play. Further research should examine these measures immediately upon return to play.