Key result
Hamstring strength deficit at 15° of knee flexion measured by handheld dynamometry had a weak correlation with time to return to play (Spearman r = 0.25, P = 0.045).
Why the study?
Does handheld dynamometry strength measurement reliably predict time to return to play in athletes with acute hamstring injuries?
Cohort (n=75)
Does handheld dynamometry strength measurement reliably predict time to return to play in athletes with acute hamstring injuries?
Effect estimate: Spearman r = 0.25
p-value: p=0.045
Handheld dynamometry is reliable for measuring hamstring strength after acute injury, but has limited prognostic value for predicting return to play.
Handheld dynamometry at 15° has limited prognostic value for return to play; leaves open need for stronger predictors in acute hamstring injury.
Study Design Cohort study, repeated measures. Background Although hamstring strength measurements are used for assessing prognosis and monitoring recovery after hamstring injury, their actual clinical relevance has not been established. Handheld dynamometry (HHD) is a commonly used method of measuring muscle strength. The reliability of HHD has not been determined in athletes with acute hamstring injuries. Objectives To determine the intertester reliability and the prognostic value of hamstring HHD strength measurement in acute hamstring injuries. Methods We measured knee flexion strength with HHD in 75 athletes at 2 visits, at baseline (within 5 days of hamstring injury) and follow-up (5 to 7 days after the baseline measurement). We assessed isometric hamstring strength in 15° and 90° of knee flexion. Reliability analysis testing was performed by 2 testers independently at the follow-up visit. We recorded the time needed to return to play (RTP) up to 6 months following baseline. Results The intraclass correlation coefficients of the strength measurements in injured hamstrings were between 0.75 and 0.83. There was a statistically significant but weak correlation between the time to RTP and the strength deficit at 15° of knee flexion measured at baseline (Spearman r = 0.25, P = .045) and at the follow-up visit (Spearman r = 0.26, P = .034). Up to 7% of the variance in time to RTP is explained by this strength deficit. None of the other strength variables were significantly correlated with time to RTP. Conclusion Hamstring strength can be reliably measured with HHD in athletes with acute hamstring injuries. The prognostic value of strength measurements is limited, as there is only a weak association between the time to RTP and hamstring strength deficit after acute injury. Level of Evidence Prognosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(8):689-696. Epub 12 May 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6363.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Reurink et al. (2016) conducted a cohort in Acute hamstring injuries (n=75). Hamstring strength deficit measured by handheld dynamometry was evaluated on Time to return to play (RTP) (Spearman r = 0.25, p=0.045). Hamstring strength deficit at 15° of knee flexion measured by handheld dynamometry had a weak correlation with time to return to play (Spearman r = 0.25, P = 0.045).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: