Hamstring muscle injuries are a prevalent concern amongst athletes, with several risk factors being proposed. Areas of significant interest to date have investigated hamstring muscle architecture and strength in particular. Despite the wide breadth of research in the area of risk mitigation, the incidence of hamstring injuries continues to rise across popular sports such as soccer, rugby and American Football. Furthermore, the majority of studies in the past have focused solely on linear sprinting and decelerating mechanics when seeking to address injury risk factors. Whilst these are important factors to understand, not all sporting movements are linear, and athletes are often tasked with running at high velocities in curved lines. However, very little research has assessed the demands that curved sprinting places on the hamstring muscle group. Thus, the aim of this project is to explore the muscle activity patterns of various hamstring muscles (Biceps Femoris, Semimembranosus and Semitendinosus), alongside the trunk and lower leg mechanics during curved and linear sprinting. Physically active participants will be recorded performing linear and curved sprints, and a direct comparison will be made between the two conditions with an objective to broaden our understanding of curved sprinting demands. It’s hypothesized that curved sprinting will demonstrate greater Biceps Femoris muscle activity and greater trunk lean when compared to linear sprinting. This study will be a pilot study with the results potentially informing a larger intervention study in time.
