GAA players are more likely to be injured in the final quarter of games and training (47%). Recommends further investigation.
Relative risk of injury was almost 11 times more likely in games (59%), rather than in training (41%).
Despite the high intensity and physical nature of Gaelic Football , there was significantly higher proportion of non-contact injuries (60%).
Main non-contact injuries were muscle strains which were caused mainly by running, twisting, accelerating and decelerating.
Hamstrings 31% Groin 14%
Hamstring Injuries: `Not just a GAA problem"
Studies have reported (% of all injuries)
Australian Rules Football: 16 %
Basketball: 6 %
Cricket: 11%
Soccer: 12%
Rugby Union: 6- 15 %
When do hamstring injuries occur ?
High incidence of hamstring muscle strains are associated with sports that involve stretch
shortening cycle activities:
- Sprinting
- High-intensity Running
- Stopping
- Starting
- Quick change of direction
- Kicking
Reoccurence rate: AFL 1997 2000 Study HAMSTRING 34%
Fundamental Biomechanics
The hamstrings have a mechanical effects at both the hip and the knee:
- All three muscle work to extend the hip
- All three muscle flex the knee and weakly adduct the hip
- Different aspect of the hamstring muscles rotate the lower limb inwards or outwards.
Stages to Recovery:
NB: We advise that you attend an appropriately qualified sports medicine practitioner to receive a modern evidence based management of your recovery and rehabilitation.
Stage 1:
- The Acute Phase of a New Injury
- Decrease inflammation using:
- Immobilisation: crutches if appropriate
- Rest Ice Compression Elevation
- Appropriate medication.
- Acupuncture.
Stage 2 :
- The Subacute Stage
Stage 3 :
- (a) : Early Rehabilitation
- (b): Middle Rehabilitation
- (c): End Stage Rehabilitation
Return to sport ?
`Only when player is able to undertake a full training and competition load, with no aggravation of the injury, should full recovery be presumed.`
Sports Physiotherapy, Applied Science and Practice.
Full return to fitness:
`Only when a player is `able to take a full part in training activities and available for a match`
Medical Scientific and Welfare Committee, UCD
Modern Training Recommendations
Brooks et al `06, American Journal Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Passive and active warm-up and muscle stretching before training and competition have been advocated as effective injury prevention strategies.
Hamstring strengthening has been shown to reduce the incidence of hamstring muscle strains (HMS) .Nordic hamstring exercise (Brocket et al)
Improving pelvic stability decreased incidents of hamstring and groin muscle strain.
High intensity, interval, anaerobic training that reflects match playing conditions is proposed to reduce the incidence of hamstring muscle strain.
Need to avoid errors in training and conditions and in rehabilitation procedures to reduce the high level of recurrent hamstring and muscle injuries.
FOR FURTHER IMPORTANT WITH REGARDS TO HAMSTRING INJURIES WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING SITES:
1. http://www.injuryupdate.com.au/
2. medlineplussportsinjuries