Past Hamstring Muscle Strain Injury Alters Myofascial Stiffness and Vibration Sensing

Hamstring strain is one of the most common among sports injuries. A previous history of this injury is considered a strong predictor of recurrent hamstring strain injury. A muscle strain injury may alter the fascial tissue. However, there is a lack of evidence on the association between previous hamstring strain injury and tissue properties.

A study from Japan investigates whether a previous history of hamstring strain injury affects tissue stiffness and vibration sense in professional soccer players.

Eight professional soccer players with previous history of hamstring strain and eight uninjured players were recruited. Myofascial stiffness (measured using MyotonPRO®) and vibration disappearance threshold (using a tuning fork) were measured. It also measured side-to-side differences between injured and uninjured legs.

The results indicated that previously injured players showed larger tissue stiffness and lower vibration detection threshold compared to uninjured players. Similar differences were found between injured and uninjured legs. The study did not find a significant relationship between the age or body mass index (BMI) on tissue stiffness and vibration detection threshold.

The authors concluded that soccer players with a past history of hamstring strain injury exhibited higher tissue stiffness and lower vibration sensitivity in the injured leg, regardless of age and BMI. The results could indicate feasible evaluation for chronic muscle strain conditions.

Reference: https://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/S1360-8592(21)00103-0/fulltext