Where to next for hamstrings? A biomechanical and anatomical perspective

In recent years, there has been rising interest and debate on the importance of addressing running mechanics for preventing running-related hamstring injury. It is a logical and intriguing avenue of research given the high prevalence of such injuries. In theory, lower-limb mechanics directly relate to hamstring musculotendinous demands when running—the relative positions of the hip and knee joints, and pelvic tilt, will determine the hamstring muscle–tendon unit (MTU) lengths. Notably, hamstring MTUs during running are subject to large strain and force during late swing. However, there is a paucity of research prospectively investigating the relationship between running mechanics, or hamstring MTU dynamics, and injury, likely because it is challenging to prospectively obtain large samples of data from injured athletes.