Kawai T, Takahashi M, Takamoto K, Bito I. Hamstring strains in professional rugby players result in increased fascial stiffness without muscle quality changes as assessed using shear wave elastography.
J Bodyw Mov Ther 2021;
27:34-41. [PMID:
34391255 DOI:
10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.009]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Hamstring strain injury is common among sports injuries. A previous history of this injury is considered a strong predictor of recurrent hamstring strain injury. Fascial tissue reportedly becomes stiffer after hamstring strain injury. However, the association between fascial stiffness and previous hamstring strain injury has not been investigated in clinical studies. We aimed to determine whether a previous history of hamstring strain injury affects fascial tissue and muscle tissues using shear wave elastography.
METHOD
In eleven male professional rugby players, the stiffness as a shear modulus (kPa) of fascial tissue and muscle was measured on the specific injured area measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at resting position by using shear wave elastography. The side-to-side differences between the injured and the uninjured side were analyzed. The length and area of the muscle scar tissue were evaluated by MRI in relation to fascial stiffness.
RESULTS
The shear elastic modulus of fascia was stiffer in the injured vs. the uninjured side; however, no difference was observed in the muscle. No significant relationship was detected between the length and area of the muscle scar tissue (all P > 0.05).
DISCUSSION
Rugby players with a previous history of hamstring strain injury exhibited passive stiffness of fascial tissues in the injured leg, regardless of the length or area of the muscle scar tissue. However, the passive stiffness of muscles was same between the injured and the uninjured leg.
CONCLUSION
The results can be beneficial to consider future risk for hamstring strain injuries.
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