Comparison of Trunk Muscle Performance Between Sprinters With and Without Hamstring Strain Injury History

Comparison of Trunk Muscle Activity, Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance Between Sprinters With and Without Hamstring Strain Injury History

The aim of this study is to:

1. Compare trunk muscle performance between sprinters with and without HSI history
2. Investigate whether running speed influences the differences on trunk muscle activity between these two groups

Hamstring strain injury is one of the most common injuries in the lower extremities. As running speed increases, the force and load on the hamstring muscles significantly increase, thereby increasing the risk of injury. Trunk muscles are connected thigh muscles through the pelvis, and poor trunk muscle capacity of maintaining stability affect the muscle length of the lower limbs during movement, reducing their contractile tension and increasing the risk of injury. Earlier literature also indicated that poor trunk muscle performance is related to the occurrence of lower extremity sport injuries. However, literature on the relationship between trunk muscle performance and hamstring strain injury is scarce. Testing methods of existing research have failed to fully reflect the actual circumstances of sprinting. Moreover, previous studies have predominantly focused on soccer players. However, the running mechanics of soccer player and sprinter are slightly different. Currently, there is lack of research investigate the relationship between trunk muscle performance and hamstring strain injury in sprinters.Therefore, the aim of this study is to: (1) Compare trunk muscle performance between sprinters with and without HSI history, (2) nvestigate whether running speed influences the differences on trunk muscle activity between these two groups

Inclusion Criteria of HSI history group:

• Have ≥ twice hamstring strain injury occurrence in the past year

Inclusion Criteria of control group:

• Without any hamstring strain injury occurrence in the past year
• Match gender, age, BMI, dominant side, training experience, training frequency, Personal best record in 100m with HSI history group

Exclusion Criteria of all subjects:

• Neurological, cardiorespiratory or systemic disorder
• Have low back pain history in the past year
• Scoliosis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Complaints of pain on trunk & lower extremity
• Leg length difference > 2cm
• History of lower extremity surgery