Utilising Inertial Measurement Units and Force–Velocity Profiling to Explore the Relationship Between Hamstring Strain Injury and Running Biomechanics

TL;DR

This study uses wearable technology to explore how running biomechanics relate to hamstring strain injuries in sprinters.

Contribution

The study introduces a feasibility trial using field-based inertial measurement units and force–velocity profiling to assess biomechanics and injury risk.

Findings

Participants with a history of HSI showed increased anterior pelvic tilt on the injured side.

Injured participants scored in higher percentiles for velocity-oriented biomechanical profiles.

The study highlights the potential of field-based technology for future HSI prevention research.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively and prospectively explore associations between running biomechanics and hamstring strain injury (HSI) using field-based technology. Twenty-three amateur sprinters performed 40 m maximum-effort sprints and then underwent a one-year injury surveillance period. For the first 30 m of acceleration, sprint mechanics were quantified through force–velocity profiling. In the upright phase of the sprint, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system measured sagittal plane pelvic and hip kinematics at the point of contact (POC), as well as step and stride time. Cross-sectional analysis revealed no differences between participants with a history of HSI and controls except for anterior pelvic tilt (increased pelvic tilt on the injured side compared to controls). Prospectively, two participants sustained HSIs in the surveillance period; thus, the small sample size limited formal statistical analysis. A review of cohort percentiles, however, revealed both participants scored in the higher percentiles for variables associated with a velocity-oriented profile. Overall, this study may be considered a feasibility trial of novel technology, and the preliminary findings present a case for further investigation. Several practical insights are offered to direct future research to ultimately inform HSI prevention strategies.

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