The purpose of this review was to investigate the impact prior hamstring strain injury (HSI) and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have on eccentric knee flexor strength, between-limb imbalance in eccentric knee flexor strength and future risk of hamstring strain injury. The review aimed to determine the importance of eccentric knee flexor strength and practical methods for reducing the risk of future HSI. A total of 15 papers were located in this review from the following search engines; PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCOhost (MEDLINE), and Google Scholar, from inception to August 2016. Search items included: "anterior cruciate ligament," "hamstring strain," "injury," "knee flexor," "strength," "injury risk" and "sport". This search was limited using the terms "epidemiology" and "injury prevention". The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) appears the most useful exercise for reducing hamstring strain injuries and may also be of significant value for athletes with a history of this injury and ACLR. Furthermore, if athletes can achieve higher levels of eccentric knee flexor strength and lower between-limb imbalances than this can offset the non-modifiable risk factors associated with hamstring strain injury, such as; previous injury and increasing age. Moreover, athletes with a history of ACLR may improve long-term knee function and reduce risk of future HSI after compliance with a strength program involving the NHE. The optimal training recommendations for the NHE are yet to be determined however, evidence suggests that 2-3 sessions per week of 3-4 sets of 5-12 repetitions is desirable
© Copyright 2017 Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning. Australian Strength and Conditioning Association. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.