A groundbreaking study conducted by Isokinetic, London’s premier clinic for injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, has revealed significant disparities in hamstring injuries between professional female and male footballers. The research indicates that female players sustain more hamstring injuries through indirect contact and kicking compared to their male counterparts, underscoring the need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies in women’s football.
The study, which analysed 129 severe hamstring injuries using advanced video analysis by top experts in sports medicine, has provided critical insights into the mechanics and situational patterns of these injuries. Findings indicate that female players experience a higher incidence of indirect contact injuries related to running and kicking, while exhibiting a lower rate of non-contact and stretch-type injuries compared to males.
Dr Matthew Stride, a Sports Doctor at Isokinetic and former Club Doctor for Brentford FC, stated, “This research marks a significant step forward in understanding how hamstring injuries occur among different genders. By identifying the distinct injury patterns in female athletes, we can develop tailored prevention plans that address these issues as the women’s game continues to grow.”
Key Findings of the Study
The study outlines four primary mechanisms of hamstring injuries in footballers:
- Indirect Contact Injury: Predominantly observed in female players, these injuries often occur during running.
- Sprint-Type Injury: Injuries sustained while sprinting, common to both genders but varying in mechanism.
- Stretch-Type Injury: A lower prevalence among female players, indicating a need for further investigation.
- Kicking-Type Injury: A significant number of injuries in women are associated with kicking actions.
Dr Stride elaborated, “The data highlights that most injuries in female footballers arise from indirect contact, such as minor contact between the trunk and pelvis. Female athletes are generally more flexible; however, as conditioning improves, flexibility may be compromised. Increased quad strength can lead to an anterior pelvic tilt, which places additional stress on the hamstrings. Understanding these biomechanics is vital for developing effective prevention strategies.”
The Need for Tailored Injury Prevention Strategies
Andrea Tartaglia, Managing Director of Isokinetic London, emphasised the importance of data analysis in enhancing injury prevention efforts. “As hamstring injuries continue to rise, our goal is to ensure that all players maintain optimal fitness levels while minimising risk. Different muscle fibre types and strength can be adapted through targeted conditioning, and we are committed to implementing intervention strategies that can mitigate these injuries.”
Isokinetic is a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, serving a diverse range of athletes from recreational players to professionals. The clinic is renowned for its comprehensive approach to injury management, offering tailored recovery pathways for each patient, regardless of their level of activity.
Conclusion
The findings of this study are a pivotal step towards fostering a deeper understanding of female footballers’ injury mechanisms. Isokinetic’s commitment to ongoing research and innovation in sports medicine plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety and performance of athletes, paving the way for a healthier future in women’s football.
