Anatomical study of the sacrotuberous ligament and the hamstring muscles: A histomorphological analysis.

The sacrotuberous ligament (STL) and the hamstrings are important structures that are mutually connected and influenced by the pelvis. However, the anatomical connectivity and histological characteristics of these structures remain unclear. The present study aimed to comprehensively investigate the relationship between the STL and the proximal hamstrings through histological analysis. Sixteen specimens were obtained from eight fresh cadavers (mean age at death, 73.4 years). Verhoeff Van Gieson, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze the connectivity between the STL and the hamstrings and to verify the ratios of collagen and elastic fibers. Dense connective tissue that overlapped tightly between the STL and hamstrings was observed. The relative ratios of collagen and elastic fibers between the STL and hamstrings characteristically identified regional differences. The ratio of elastic fibers to collagen in the biceps femoris (BF) was ~38.6 ± 4.7%, and the lowest ratio was 5.9 ± 2.6% observed in the semimembranosus (SM). In the case of the BF, contractibility is well-regulated due to a high content of elastic fibers; however, the muscular structure of the BF is relatively fragile due to the low content of collagen. In the SM, collagen content is higher than that in the STL. This ratio of elastic fibers in the collagen analysis could provide crucial information for understanding the differences in hamstring contractility and maintaining the morphology of these structures.

Morphological study on the origin of the semitendinosus muscle in the long head of biceps femoris.

Hamstring muscle injuries are the most prevalent among athletes who engage in sprinting activities. Their most frequent location is where the long head of the biceps femoris joins with the semitendinosus muscle to form the conjoint hamstring tendon. Just distal to this area, an additional group of fibers of the semitendinosus originate from medial aspect of biceps femoris. The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological characteristics of this union and to discuss its potential role in hamstring tears. Anatomical dissection was performed on 35 thighs. Samples obtained from this region were sectioned and stained with Masson's trichrome for further histological evaluation. A group of fibers from the semitendinosus muscle originating from the long head of the biceps femoris were observed in all 35 specimens. This origin was located 67 ± 12 mm from the ischial tuberosity and was 32 ± 14 mm in length. This group of muscle fibers had a width of 10.9 ± 5.3 mm and a thickness in the anteroposterior axis of 3.2 ± 1.4 mm. Its pennation angle was 9.2 ± 1.5 degrees. Microscopic examination showed muscle cells from both muscles contacting interposed tendinous tissue. In conclusion, fibers of the semitendinosus muscle consistently arise from the proximal aspect of the long head of biceps femoris. The morphological characteristics of this junction have functional implications. The horizontal component of the semitendinosus vector could pull the long head of the biceps femoris medially during its shortening-lengthening cycle, rendering it an intrinsic risk factor for hamstring injuries.

Indirect markers for length adjustment in distal biceps tendon allograft reconstruction.

Chronic musculotendinous retraction, shortening and fibrosis after distal biceps tendon tears makes a primary reconstruction often difficult or even impossible. Interposition reconstruction with allograft provides a solution, however there is no consensus about appropriate intraoperative graft length adjustment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to find a practical reference value for distal biceps tendon length adjustment. Three-dimensional surface models of healthy distal biceps tendons were created based on 85 MRI scans. The tendon length was measured from the myotendinous junction to the insertion on the bicipital tuberosity. Inter-epicondylar distance (IED) and radial head diameter (RHD) were measured on antero-posterior radiographs as a surrogate for patient size. Correlations between the tendon length and IED, RHD and patient's height (PH) were calculated. Mean length of the external part of the distal biceps tendon was 69mm (female 64mm, male 71mm). The tendon length in mm was on average 1.1 times of the IED (mm), 3 times of the RHD (mm) and 0.4 times of PH (cm). Herewith, the tendon length could be predicted within a narrow range of +/-1cm in 84% by using IED, 82% by using RHD and 80% by using PH. Intra- and inter-reader reliabililty of IED and RHD was excellent (R2 = 0.938-0.981). The distal biceps tendon length can be best predicted within 1cm with an accuracy of 82-84% using the IED and RHD with an excellent intra- and inter-reader reliability.

Muscle Activity and Morphology in Slalom Skiing by a Single-Leg Amputee Ski Racer: A Case Study of a Paralympic Athlete.

The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of skiing by a single-leg amputee ski racer from the viewpoints of muscle activity, morphology, and the relationship between both elements through comparisons with those of a non-disabled ski racer. One elite athlete, classified as LW2 (left thigh amputation), and one non-disabled athlete, as a control, participated in this study. The cross-sectional area of thigh muscles was measured through magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, muscle activities and joint and segment kinematics during slalom skiing were measured using electromyography and inertial measurement units, respectively. The muscle activities and joint kinematics of the amputee racer in the turn in which he performed with the inside edge of the ski were similar to those of the outside leg of the non-disabled racer over a turn. In contrast, at the turn in which the amputee racer performed with the outside edge (more difficult side), the amputee racer largely activated the biceps femoris (BF) in the first half of the turn compared to the non-disabled racer. The reason could be to control the angular momentum of the trunk during the forward tilting motion. This is because a greater activity of the BF was observed during the period in which the forward tilt of the trunk was increased, and the mean activity of the BF was the greatest during the first half of the right turn in which the range of the motion of the forward tilt was the greatest. In terms of muscle morphology of the amputee racer, a significant hypertrophy of the BF and vastus lateralis was observed compared to the non-disabled racers. The well-developed BF was considered to be related to the large activity during the turn performed with the outside edge of the ski.

Hamstrings load bearing in different contraction types and intensities: A shear-wave and B-mode ultrasonographic study.

The main aim was to examine the load bearing of individual hamstring muscles in different contraction types and intensities, through local stiffness measurement by shear wave elastography (SWE). A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between the SWE stiffness measure and hamstrings morphology. Ten healthy males (age 22.1±4.1 years; height 173.7±5.9 cm; body mass 68.6±12.4 kg; mean ± SD) performed knee flexions on an isokinetic dynamometer at different intensities (20-70%MVC, random order) in three separate, randomized conditions: isometric (ISO), concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC). SWE was used to measure muscle shear wave velocity (SWV) in biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semitendinosus (ST) and semimembranosus (SM) during contraction. Muscle anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) was measured with magnetic resonance imaging and muscle architecture with B-mode ultrasonography. Muscle SWV increased linearly with contraction intensity, but at a varying rate among muscles and contraction types. ST exhibited greater SWV than BFlh and SM in all contraction types, however, there was an upward shift in the SM SWV-torque relationship in ECC compared to ISO and CON. Strong negative correlations were found between peak ISO SWV and ST ACSA (r = -0.81, p = 0.005) and BFlh pennation angle (r = -0.75, p = 0.012). These results suggest that ST has a primary role in hamstrings load bearing in all contraction types, likely due to its morphology; however, there is evidence of increased contribution from SM in eccentric muscle actions.

The Effect of Diacutaneous Fibrolysis on Local and Widespread Hyperalgesia and Muscle Length in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Secondary Analysis of a Pretest-Posttest Clinical Trial.

CONTEXT: Localized and widespread hyperalgesia has been observed in patients with patellofemoral pain. Diacutaneous fibrolysis (DF) has shown to be effective in reducing pain in several musculoskeletal conditions including patellofemoral pain syndrome, but no studies have evaluated the effects of this technique in reducing localized and widespread hyperalgesia. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of DF on the pressure pain threshold and muscle length tests in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. DESIGN: A single-group, pretest-posttest clinical trial. SETTING: University of Zaragoza. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six subjects with patellofemoral pain (20 males and 26 females: age 27.8 [6.9] y). INTERVENTION: Three sessions of DF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pressure pain threshold using a handheld pressure algometer (4 sites around the knee, on tibialis anterior muscle, and one remote site on the upper contralateral limb); muscle length test of the iliotibial band, rectus femoris, and hamstring muscles; and patient-perceived treatment effect score. RESULTS: The application of 3 sessions of DF significantly increased the pressure pain threshold in all sites at posttreatment evaluation (P < .001) and at a 1-week follow-up (P < .001). A significant increase in muscle length was also observed at the posttreatment evaluation (P < .001) and 1-week follow-up (P < .001). Ninety-seven percent of the patients reported subjective improvement at posttreatment and at 1-week follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study found that local and widespread hyperalgesia was significantly reduced after 3 sessions of diacutaneous fibrolysis and at the 1-week follow-up. A significant improvement on muscle length tests was also observed, with high clinical satisfaction among patients.

Sprinting, Strength, and Architectural Adaptations Following Hamstring Training in Australian Footballers.

The aim of this study was to determine the sprinting, strength, and architectural adaptations following a hip-dominant flywheel (FLY) or Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) intervention in Australian footballers. Twenty-seven male athletes were randomized to FLY (n = 13) or NHE (n = 14) training across a 39-week period (inclusive of pre-season and in-season). Biceps femoris long head (BFlh) architecture was assessed throughout. Eccentric hamstring strength and 40 m sprint times (with force-velocity profiling) were assessed at baseline, end of pre-season, and following the intervention. After the intervention, BFlh fascicle length was longer in both groups compared to baseline (FLY: 1.16 cm, 95%CI: 0.66 to 1.66 cm, d = 1.99, p < 0.001; NHE: 1.08 cm, 95%CI: 95%CI 0.54 to 1.61 cm, d = 1.73, p < 0.001). Both groups also increased their eccentric strength (FLY: mean change 82 N, 95%CI 12 to 152 N, d = 1.34, p = 0.026; NHE: mean change 97 N, 95%CI 47 to 146 N, d = 1.77, p = 0.001). After pre-season, the NHE group improved their 5 m sprint time by 3.5% (±1.2%) and were 3.7% (±1.4%) and 2.0% (±0.5%) faster than the FLY group across 5 m and 10 m, respectively. At the end of pre-season, the FLY group improved maximal velocity by 3.4% (±1.4%) and improved horizontal force production by 9.7% in-season (±2.2%). Both a FLY and NHE intervention increase BFlh fascicle length and eccentric strength in Australian Footballers. An NHE intervention led to enhanced acceleration capacity. A FLY intervention was suggested to improve maximal sprint velocity and horizontal force production, without changes in sprint times. These findings have implications for hamstring injury prevention but also programs aimed at improving sprint performance.

Effects of flexibility and strength training on peak hamstring musculotendinous strains during sprinting.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring injury is one of the most common injuries in sports involving sprinting. Hamstring flexibility and strength are often considered to be modifiable risk factors in hamstring injury. Understanding the effects of hamstring flexibility or strength training on the biomechanics of the hamstring muscles during sprinting could assist in improving prevention strategies and rehabilitation related to these injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of altering hamstring flexibility or strength on peak hamstring musculotendinous strain during sprinting. METHODS: A total of 20 male college students (aged 18-24 years) participated and were randomly assigned to either a flexibility intervention group or a strength intervention group. Each participant executed exercise training 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Flexibility, sprinting, and isokinetic strength testing were performed before and after the 2 interventions. Paired t tests were performed to determine hamstring flexibility or strength intervention effects on optimal hamstring musculotendinous lengths and peak hamstring musculotendinous strains during sprinting. RESULTS: Participants in the flexibility intervention group significantly increased the optimal musculotendinous lengths of the semimembranosus and biceps long head (p ≤ 0.026) and decreased peak musculotendinous strains in all 3 bi-articulate hamstring muscles (p ≤ 0.004). Participants in the strength-intervention group significantly increased the optimal musculotendinous lengths of all 3 hamstring muscles (p ≤ 0.041) and significantly decreased their peak musculotendinous strain during sprinting (p ≤ 0.017). CONCLUSION: Increasing hamstring flexibility or strength through exercise training may assist in reducing the risk of hamstring injury during sprinting for recreational male athletes.

A rare third head of the biceps femoris in the posterior thigh.

The occurrence of a third head of the biceps femoris is very rare. We encountered the case of a 90-year-old Japanese male cadaver with a third head of the biceps femoris in the posterior aspect of the thigh during dissection at Aichi Medical University in 2016. It originated from the proximal part of the femur and fused with the muscle belly between the long and short heads of the biceps femoris. Additionally, three muscle tendons were connected to the gluteus maximus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the third head of the biceps femoris demonstrating two origins, i.e., the proximal part of the femur and the insertion tendon of the gluteus maximus. Moreover, the third head, as well as the short head, of the biceps femoris was innervated by the muscular branch of the common peroneal nerve. Based on the origin and innervation, it can be believed that the third head of the biceps femoris is analogous to its short head and is related to the tenuissimus, a phylogenetic remnant. Therefore, we concluded that this third head is an intermediate muscle type of the tenuissimus and short head of the biceps femoris.

Hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio and cross-sectional area of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles assessed using extended field-of-view ultrasonography.

This study examined whether the association between hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) strength with size depends on the region and the muscle used to examined cross-sectional area (CSA). Maximum isometric contraction knee extension and flexion torque was obtained from 20 young participants while Q and H CSA was recorded using extended field of view ultrasonography at four sections along the thigh. Stepwise linear regression models using the maximum CSA of individual muscles showed a significant association of quadriceps (R2 = 0.793) and hamstring (R2 = 0.275) CSA with MVC torque (p < 0.05). The association was lower when maximum or section-specific muscle group CSAs were used as indices of size. The H:Q CSA ratio showed a significant association (R2 = 0.275, p < 0.05) and a moderate correlation (r = 0.48) with H:Q torque ratio. These results indicated that the association between muscle CSA and strength differs between the knee extensors and flexors. Amongst the various indices of muscle size, the combination of maximum CSA values of each muscle displayed the greatest relationship between strength and CSA. The H:Q CSA ratio can explain a significant but small part of the H:Q isometric strength ratio.

Greater Hamstrings Muscle Hypertrophy but Similar Damage Protection after Training at Long versus Short Muscle Lengths.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of seated versus prone leg curl training on hamstrings muscle hypertrophy and susceptibility to eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. METHODS: Part 1: Twenty healthy adults conducted seated leg curl training with one leg (Seated-Leg) and prone with the other (Prone-Leg), at 70% one-repetition maximum (1RM), 10 repetitions per set, 5 sets per session, 2 sessions per week for 12 wk. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-measured muscle volume of the individual and whole hamstrings was assessed pre- and posttraining. Part 2: Nineteen participants from part 1 and another 12 untrained controls (Control-Leg) performed eccentric phase-only leg curl exercise at 90% 1RM, 10 repetitions per set, 3 sets for each of the seated/prone conditions with each leg. MRI-measured transverse relaxation time (T2) and 1RM of seated/prone leg curl were assessed before, 24, 48, and 72 h after exercise. RESULTS: Part 1: Training-induced increases in muscle volume were greater in Seated-Leg versus Prone-Leg for the whole hamstrings (+14% vs +9%) and each biarticular (+8%-24% vs +4%-19%), but not monoarticular (+10% vs +9%), hamstring muscle. Part 2: After eccentric exercise, Control-Leg had greater increases in T2 in each hamstring muscle (e.g., semitendinosus at 72 h: +52%) than Seated-Leg (+4%) and Prone-Leg (+6%). Decreases in 1RM were also greater in Control-Leg (e.g., seated/prone 1RM at 24 h: -12%/-24%) than Seated-Leg (0%/-3%) and Prone-Leg (+2%/-5%). None of the changes significantly differed between Seated-Leg and Prone-Leg at any time points. CONCLUSION: Hamstrings muscle size can be more effectively increased by seated than prone leg curl training, suggesting that training at long muscle lengths promotes muscle hypertrophy, but both are similarly effective in reducing susceptibility to muscle damage.

Common origin tendon of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles, functional and clinical relevance / Tendón de origen común de los músculos bíceps femoral y semitendinoso, relevancia funcional y clínica

SUMMARY: The injury of Biceps Femoris long head (BFlh) and Semitendinosus (ST) is caused by over-stretch of the muscles at the back of the thigh. This condition encompasses almost one third of sports-related injuries and has severe consequences, such as pain and weakness of the muscles. This injury is related namely to quick and demanding activities, such as short distance sprinting in a limited time period. The Common Origin Tendon (COT) for these two muscles is affected in these injuries. This tendon is formed by the BFlh and ST muscles which together have a common origin in the ischial tuberosity. Given the lack of complete knowledge about the detailed structure of the COT, we dissected cadaveric limbs, describing their morphological characteristics, and discussing its functional and clinical implications.: Thirty-five human cadaveric lower limbs were dissected after fixation to analyze the morphology of the COT, focusing on their volume and muscular/tendinous proportion. We identified two subtypes of COT. The most frequent was the musculotendinous type, in which the origin of the BFlh was mainly tendinous, while the ST muscle was mainly muscular (91.4%). In the tendinous type both muscles had a tendinous origin (8.6%). In the musculotendinous type, the ST muscle ends with a microscopic connective tissue that extend into the ischial tuberosity. We conclude that there is a variability in the anatomical presentations of the COT, and we propose that this will correspond with biomechanical differences in the risks and the response to regional injuries. The connective tissue between the COT and the neighbouring structures could be a risk factor for adhesion tearing.

RESUMEN: Los desgarros de los músculos bíceps femoral cabeza larga (BFcl) y semitendinoso (ST) son causados por una tensión excesiva durante actividades que implican amplios rangos de movimiento en velocidad. Alcanzan casi a un tercio de las lesiones deportivas y tienen graves consecuencias competitivas, además generan dolor y debilidad muscular. El tendón de origen común (TOC) de estos dos músculos se ve afectado en estas lesiones. Este tendón se encuentra formado por el BFcl y el ST, originándose juntos en la tuberosidad isquiática. Debido a la falta de conocimiento completo y detallado de este tendón, se realizó un estudio cadavérico, describiendo sus características morfológicas y discutiendo sobre sus implicaciones funcionales y clínicas. Se practicó la disección anatómica de 35 miembros inferiores, lo que permitió describir la morfología del TOC, focalizando en su volumen y proporciones musculo-tendinosas. La conformación morfológica del TOC fue de 2 tipos: la musculotendinosa, donde el BFcl tenía una estructura tendinosa y el ST tenía una estructura muscular (91,4 %). La conformación tendinosa, donde ambos músculos tenían estructuración tendinosa (8,6 %). Cuando la conformación era musculotendinosa, el ST terminaba con un tejido conjuntivo microscópico, que se extendía hasta la tuberosidad isquiática. La conformación morfológica del TOC del BFcl y ST tuvo una presentación variable, lo cual podría tener implicación en su comportamiento biomecánico, y ser un factor de riesgo de lesiones. Además el tejido conjuntivo situado entre este tendón y las estructuras anatómicas vecinas podría ser un factor de riesgo de lesiones por adherencia.

Effects of eccentric training at long-muscle length on architectural and functional characteristics of the hamstrings.

Hamstring strain injuries during sprinting or stretching frequently occur at long-muscle length. Yet, previous research has mainly focused on studying the effectiveness of eccentric hamstring strengthening at shorter muscle length on hamstring performance, morphology, and hamstring strain injury risk factors. Here, we evaluated the effects of 6-week eccentric hamstring training at long-muscle length on functional and architectural characteristics of the hamstrings. Healthy and injury-free participants (n = 40; age 23.7 ± 2.5 years) were randomly assigned to control or intervention group. Training intervention consisted of 12 sessions with two eccentric hamstring exercises in a lengthened position. Outcome measures included isokinetic and isometric knee flexion peak torque, Nordic hamstring exercise peak torque, voluntary activation level, and countermovement jump performance. Ultrasonography was used to determine muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length of biceps femoris long head (BFlh). A significant time × group interaction effect was observed for all measured parameters except countermovement jump performance and muscle thickness. The training intervention resulted in increased concentric and eccentric knee flexion peak torque at 60°/s (d = 0.55-0.62, P = .02 and .03) and concentric peak torque at 180°/s (d = 0.99, P = .001), increased isometric knee flexion peak torque (d = 0.73, P = .008) and Nordic hamstring exercise peak torque (d = 1.19, P < .001), increased voluntary activation level (d = 1.29, P < .001), decreased pennation angle (d = 1.31, P < .001), and increased fascicle length (d = 1.12, P < .001) of BFlh. These results provide evidence that short-term eccentric hamstring strengthening at long-muscle length can have significant favorable effects on various architectural and functional characteristics of the hamstrings.

Midstance hamstring length is a better indicator for hamstring lengthening procedures than initial contact length.

BACKGROUND: Children with static encephalopathy often walk with excessive knee and hip flexion throughout the gait cycle. This crouch gait pattern can be debilitating. These children may undergo hamstring-lengthening procedures to correct this crouch gait. Some improve, while others remain in crouch gait or go into knee hyperextension postoperatively, which can ultimately be debilitating. RESEARCH QUESTION: Hamstring muscle-tendon length models are frequently used as indicators when making recommendations for or against hamstring lengthening procedures. According to the literature, most clinicians use the length of the hamstring complex at the initial contact phase of the gait cycle as the primary deciding factor. We hypothesize that the length of this muscle-tendon complex at the midstance phase of the gait cycle is a more stringent criteria for lengthening procedures. METHODS: A simplified hamstring length model was applied retrospectively to the pre and postoperative three dimensional gait analysis kinematics of 152 subjects to assess preoperative surgical indications and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Of the limbs with short hamstrings at initial contact preoperatively, 15% went into knee hyperextension following hamstring lengthening procedures. Cases of hyperextension were even higher (19%) if the hamstrings were also normal to long at midstance. If the hamstrings were short at midstance, only 6 % went into hyperextension. Increasing the criteria to short hamstrings at initial contact and midstance reduced the number of limbs with hyperextension to 0%. SIGNIFICANCE: It appears that the length of the hamstrings at midstance is an additional predictor of the risk of post-op knee hyperextension from hamstring lengthening procedures, than utilizing the length at initial contact alone. Even though short hamstrings at midstance may be an additional predictor of positive outcomes, it also results in a more conservative approach to surgery by excluding almost half of the patients with short hamstrings at initial contact only, but who may benefit from surgery.

Feasibility of MRI based extracellular volume fraction and partition coefficient measurements in thigh muscle.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of extracellular volume-fraction (ECV) measurement, and time to achieve contrast equilibrium (CE), in healthy muscles, and to determine whether in-flow and partial-volume errors in the femoral artery affect measurements, and if there are differences in the partition coefficient (λ) between muscles. METHODS: T1 was measured in the biceps femoris, vastus intermedius, femoral artery and aorta of 10 healthy participants. This was repeated alternately between the thigh and aorta for ≥25 min following a bolus of gadoterate meglumine. λ was calculated for each muscle/blood measurement. Time to CE was assessed semi-quantitatively. RESULTS: 8/10 participants achieved CE. Time to CE = 19±2 min (mean ± 95% confidence interval). Measured λ: biceps femoris/aorta = 0.210±0.034, vastus intermedius/aorta = 0.165±0.015, biceps femoris/femoral artery = 0.265±0.054, vastus intermedius/femoral artery = 0.211±0.026. There were significant differences in λ between the muscles when using the same vessel (p < 0.05), and between λ calculated in the same muscle when using different vessels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ECV measurements in the thigh are clinically feasible. The use of the femoral artery for the blood measurement is associated with small but significant differences in λ. ECV measurements are sensitive to differences between muscles within the healthy thigh. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This paper determines the time to contrast equilibrium in the healthy thigh and describes a method for measuring accurately ECV in skeletal muscle. This can aid in the diagnosis and understanding of inflammatory auto-immune diseases.

Is Biceps Femoris Aponeurosis Size an Independent Risk Factor for Strain Injury?

This study examined whether professional footballers with previous biceps femoris long head (BFLH) injury in the last 3-years present a smaller proximal aponeurosis (Apo-BFLH) size compared to footballers with no previous injury. We examined the Apo-BFLH and BFLH size using magnetic resonance imaging and tested the knee flexor maximal isometric strength in 80 thighs of 40 footballers. Apo-BFLH size parameters were processed using a semi-automated procedure. Outcomes were compared between thighs with (n=9) vs. without (n=71) previous BFLH injury. No differences were observed between injured and non-injured thighs for the Apo-BFLH and BFLH size parameters (p>0.05) except for Apo-BFLH volume, which was higher in the non-injured thighs of athletes with previous injury (3692.1±2638.4 mm3, p<0.006) compared to the left (2274.1±798.7 mm3) thighs of athletes without previous injury. A higher knee flexor isometric strength was observed in the injured limb of athletes with previous BFLH injury (196.5±31.9 Nm, p<0.003) compared to the left (156.2±31.4 Nm) and right (160.0±31.4 Nm) thighs of non-injured athletes. The present results suggest that BFLH proximal aponeurosis size should not be considered as an independent risk factor for strain injury.

The Effects of Eccentric Training on Biceps Femoris Architecture and Strength: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of an eccentric hamstrings strength-training program, performed for at least 4 weeks by healthy adults, on muscle architecture and eccentric strength. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed up to October 2018 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. Combinations of the following search terms were used: eccentric strength training, eccentric loading, nordic hamstring, hamstring strength, fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, muscle architecture, biceps femoris long head, biceps femoris, and hamstring muscles. STUDY SELECTION: Included articles were randomized controlled trials that allowed comparisons between isolated eccentric strength training of the biceps femoris muscle and other programs. DATA EXTRACTION: Data from the included studies were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. These data included the study design, participant characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria of clinical studies, exercise and intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and the main results of the study. When meta-analysis was possible, we performed quantitative analysis. Ten randomized controlled trials were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Limited to moderate evidence indicated that eccentric strength training was associated with an increase in fascicle length (mean difference [MD] = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48, 2.46), an increase in muscle thickness (MD = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.13), and a decrease in pennation angle (MD = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.61, 3.11). Conflicted to moderate evidence indicated that eccentric hamstrings strength was increased after eccentric strength training compared with concentric strength training (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.26, 1.86), usual level of activity (SMD = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.68, 3.77), and static stretching (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI = -0.97, 1.75). CONCLUSIONS: In healthy adults, an eccentric strength-training program produced architectural adaptations on the long head of the biceps femoris muscle and increased eccentric hamstrings strength.

Pain-Free Versus Pain-Threshold Rehabilitation Following Acute Hamstring Strain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to compare time from acute hamstring strain injury (HSI) to return-to-play (RTP) clearance following a standardized rehabilitation protocol performed within either pain-free or pain-threshold limits. Secondary aims were to compare isometric knee flexor strength, biceps femoris long head (BFLH) fascicle length, fear of movement, and reinjury occurrence at the 6-month follow-up between pain-free and pain-threshold groups. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Forty-three men with acute HSIs were randomly allocated to a pain-free (n = 22) or pain-threshold (n = 21) rehabilitation group. Days from HSI to RTP clearance, isometric knee flexor strength, BFLH fascicle length, fear of movement, and reinjury occurrence at the 6-month follow-up were reported. RESULTS: Median time from HSI to RTP clearance was 15 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13, 17) in the pain-free group and 17 days (95% CI: 11, 24) in the pain-threshold group, which was not significantly different (P = .37). Isometric knee flexor strength recovery at 90° of hip and 90° of knee flexion was greater in the pain-threshold group at RTP clearance by 15% (95% CI: 1%, 28%) and by 15% (95% CI: 1%, 29%) at 2-month follow-up, respectively. Improvement in BFLH fascicle length from baseline was 0.91 cm (95% CI: 0.34, 1.48) greater at 2-month follow-up in the pain-threshold group. Two reinjuries occurred in both the pain-free and pain-threshold groups between RTP clearance and the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Pain-threshold rehabilitation did not accelerate RTP clearance, but resulted in greater recovery of isometric knee flexor strength and better maintenance of BFLH fascicle length, compared to pain-free rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(2):91-103. Epub 28 Jun 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.8895.

Determinants of hamstring fascicle length in professional rugby league athletes.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate the determinants of hamstring fascicle length in professional rugby league players. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study METHODS: Thirty-three elite male athletes underwent testing in the pre-season and in-season periods. Fascicle length measurements of the biceps femoris long head, 3D kinematics and elapsed time-periods at thigh angular velocities between 20°/s to peak velocity during a single-leg Nordic hamstring strength test, GPS-derived running loads, age and previous injury history were all recorded. Fixed effect determinants for fascicle length were analyzed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Significant determinants of hamstring fascicle length were observed. Multivariate regression analysis showed modifiable factors including chronic (56 days) running volumes >80% of measured peak velocity and maximum velocity itself collectively explained 43% of the variability in the fascicle length data, whilst peak eccentric strength and elapsed time under load from 20°/s to peak thigh angular velocity collectively contributed an additional 44%. Chronic running volumes >90% of individually measured peak velocity and the 'break angle' during a Nordic eccentric contraction were not significant contributors to the final model. Non-modifiable risk factors (age and previous injury) contributed the remaining 13%. CONCLUSIONS: Managing high velocity running exposure as well as eccentric strength allows for ˜90% of the controllable determinants in fascicle length within elite athlete populations. An important contributor to the explained variability within fascicle length (superseded only by chronic velocity exposure and peak eccentric strength) was an athletes ability to achieve a prolonged contraction at long lengths during eccentric strength training rather than the angle of failure during the contraction in itself.

Rapid hamstrings to quadriceps ratio at long muscle lengths in professional football players with previous hamstring strain injury.

Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are the most common injury in male professional football and are potentially a primary risk factor to re-injury. Although the isokinetic strength ratios have often been used to identify strength imbalances that can augment the risk of injury in football players, the rate of torque development hamstring to quadriceps ratio (RTD H/Q) has rarely been considered in previous reports. Furthermore, little consideration has been given to selective hamstring lengths (30° of knee flexion) and its influence on torque production. The aim of this study was to investigate the RTD H/Q at long hamstring lengths, conventional (concentric/concentric) and functional (eccentric/concentric) H/Q ratios in football players with and without previous HSI. Twenty-four professional male football players (12 and 12 without previous HSI) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions at long hamstring lengths (knee and hip flexed at 30° and 85°, respectively) and isokinetic concentric and eccentric contractions at 180°.s-1 and 60°.s-1. Conventional and functional H/Q ratios based on peak torque throughout the entire isokinetic range of motion and at long hamstring lengths were calculated. The RTD H/Q was extracted at long hamstring lengths in incrementing time periods of 50 milliseconds (ms) from the onset of contraction (50-250 ms). No significant differences were found between groups in any H/Q ratios studied. However, small effects (d = 0.4) were found in previously injured hamstrings to lower RTD H/Q at 50 ms and flexor eccentric torque. Previous HSI group showed small to moderate (0.4 > d < 0.6) higher RTD H/Q in late time intervals (>100 ms).