Abstract

Hamstring muscle strains were responsible for the loss of playing time of a significant number of football players at the University of Nebraska in the early 1970s. After the acquisition of a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer, the number of injuries was noted to decrease. A retrospective study was performed over the period 1973 to 1982. From this study, it is concluded that isokinetic testing and rehabilitation of muscle imbalances can prevent hamstring strains. Also, isokinetic testing of hamstring muscle injuries can prevent recurrences by ensuring the athlete has regained near-normal muscle strength before returning to action. Isokinetic rehabilitation of injured muscle can stimulate it to heal with higher tensile strength during the critical healing period resulting in less likelihood of recurrence. Verf.-Referat