Sensory Disconnect and Force Control Deficits Following Hamstring Strain Injuries

An abstract of a study by DiTrani Lobacz et al measuring hamstring tightness and determining its relationship with extensibility and force control is presented. Perceived tightness significantly differed between limbs in the INJ group, yet no inter-limb difference existed for extensibility, representing a sensory disconnect. This aberrant sensory input may be due to neuromechanical decoupling between the nervous system and musculotendinous properties that could have also resulted in the greater force control errors observed. Altered perception of tightness and the inability to accurately reproduce specific force levels could overload the hamstrings during rapid eccentric lengthening. This highlights that traditional stretching and management protocols may not be sufficient if perceived tightness is not relieved. Future research should explore the alleviation of tightness and the relationship between sensory and force control deficits and hamstring re-injury.