Applied Sciences, Vol. 15, Pages 9003: Sprint Training for Hamstring Injury Prevention: A Scoping Review

Applied Sciences doi: 10.3390/app15169003

Authors:
Roberto Tedeschi
Federica Giorgi
Danilo Donati

Background: Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are among the most common and recurrent injuries in sports involving high-speed running. While eccentric training has demonstrated efficacy in reducing HSI risk, the role of sprint training as a preventive strategy remains underexplored and often misinterpreted as solely a risk factor. Methods: This review aimed to systematically map the available evidence on the role of sprint training in hamstring injury prevention, identifying mechanisms, outcomes, and potential synergies with other strategies. This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and PEDro) were searched up to October 2024. Studies were included if they involved adult athletes and examined the effects of sprint training, ≥80–90% maximal sprint speed (MSS), on hamstring injury prevention, muscle architecture, or functional outcomes. All databases were searched from inception to 15 October 2024, and the screening and data-charting process was completed on 30 April 2025. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Sprint exposure, when combined with eccentric strengthening and biomechanical optimisation, led to injury reductions ranging from 56% to 94%. Eccentric interventions produced fascicle length increases of up to 20% and strength gains of 15–20%. Improvements in sprint technique and neuromuscular control were also reported. Biomechanical risk factors, including pelvic tilt and hip extension deficits, were linked to increased HSI risk. The most common eccentric protocols included Nordic Hamstring Exercises (NHE), Razor Curls, and hip-dominant exercises, typically performed 1–2 times per week for 4 to 8 weeks. Conclusions: High-speed sprint training, when properly programmed and integrated into comprehensive preventive strategies, may enhance tissue resilience and reduce HSI risk. Combining sprint exposure with eccentric strengthening and technical coaching appears to be more effective than isolated interventions alone. Practically, these results support the systematic inclusion of progressive high-intensity sprint exposure in routine hamstring-injury-prevention programmes for field-sport athletes.

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Roberto Tedeschi www.mdpi.com