THERAPEUTIC METHODS FOR THE PREVENTION OF HAMSTRING MUSCLE INJURIES IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Hamstring injuries are among the most frequent in soccer players. Within this perspective, treatment programs that are fully suited to players, also with the purpose of preventing injury recurrences, are necessary. The objective of this article is to describe, based on the literature, the main physical therapy procedures within existing treatment programs for the prevention of hamstring muscle injuries in soccer athletes. This is an integrative literature review based on bibliographic searches in the following online scientific consultation databases: SciELO, RSD Journal and PubMed, in the period of October 2022. The search was carried out by the descriptors: “muscle injury”, “hamstrings”, “treatment”, “prevention”, “exercises” combined by the boolean “AND”. As an inclusion criterion, we analyzed the original articles, published between 2015 and 2022, in English and Portuguese and excluding review articles, in duplicate and not available for free. A total of 4 articles were eligible, it is noted that there is a vast network of therapeutic methods that are widely used in soccer athletes. Conservative treatment for hamstring injuries has been shown to be effective since therapeutic exercises, such as isometric strengthening and pain-free, low-intensity controlled active movements, are strategies recommended by specialists. One study concluded that the eccentric exercise protocol was more effective as it provided a faster return to sport and a lower relapse rate. It was found a diversity of physiotherapeutic resources applied in the athlete's rehabilitation that contribute to his return to sport with reduced risk of recurrent injuries. However, the importance of individualized approaches that specifically meet the demands presented by the patient is highlighted. There is still a small number of studies on the subject, and the best recommendation of therapeutic methods is not fully evidenced.