Incidence, Risk, and Prevention of Hamstring Muscle Injuries in Professional Rugby Union

The incidence of hamstring muscle injuries in professional rugby union is high, but evidence-based information on risk factors and injury-prevention strategies in this sport is limited. PURPOSE: To define the incidence, severity, and risk factors associated with hamstring muscle injuries in professional rugby union and to determine whether the use of hamstring strengthening and stretching exercises reduces the incidence and severity of these injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (prevention); Level of evidence, 3.

Team clinicians reported all hamstring muscle injuries on a weekly basis and provided details of the location, diagnosis, severity, and mechanism of each injury; loss of time from training and match play was used as the definition of an injury. Players' match and training exposures were recorded on a weekly basis.