Pain-free versus pain-threshold rehabilitation following acute hamstring strain injury: A randomized controlled trial.

Anatomical Regions:

Knee

Conditions / Diseases:

Sprains and strains

Treatment:

Exercise

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2019 Jun 28;1-35. Hickey JT, Timmins RG, Maniar N, et al.

Purpose: The primary aim was to compare time from acute hamstring strain injury (HSI) to return-to-play (RTP) clearance following a standardized rehabilitation protocol performed within either pain-free or pain-threshold limits. Secondary aims were to compare isometric knee flexor strength, biceps femoris long head (BFLH) fascicle length, fear of movement, and reinjury occurrence at the 6-month follow-up between pain-free and pain-threshold groups.

Conclusion: Pain-threshold rehabilitation did not accelerate RTP clearance, but resulted in greater recovery of isometric knee flexor strength and better maintenance of BFLH fascicle length, compared to pain-free rehabilitation.

See abstract.