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Sprint Biomechanics for Hamstring Injury Risk Management - JB Morin & Chris Bramah | FSI Talks 14

Biomechanics plays a crucial role in modern football, helping to prevent injuries and improve sports performance. In this article, based on a conversation with experts JB Morin and Chris Bramah, we will explore concepts such as sprint mechanics, lumbopelvic control, and biomechanical evaluation on the field. Why is this approach so relevant in sport?

Imagen decorativa de un deportista corriendo

Alberto Fílter · @alberto.filter

January 2, 2025 |

9 minutes

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For this FSI Talk, we have the collaboration of two excellent experts in the field:

Dr. JB Morin: Full professor at the University of Saint-Étienne, France, specializing in sprint biomechanics and sports performance. One of the leading researchers in the world in this field.

Dr. Chris Bramah: Physiotherapist and researcher at the University of Salford, expert in clinical biomechanics and sports injury prevention.

Silhouette of a muscular man performing exercises. Represents biomechanics in sports.

What is biomechanics and why is it important in football?

Biomechanics is the study of movement patterns and the forces that interact with the human body. In the context of football, it helps identify areas for improvement in running technique, optimize performance, and reduce the risk of injuries. According to Chris Bramah,

“Movement directly influences the tension applied to tissues, especially the hamstrings, one of the most vulnerable areas in footballers.”

Furthermore, biomechanics allows the development of personalized strategies for each athlete. It takes into account factors such as body composition, strength, and specific movement patterns. This results in better physical preparation and a lower incidence of injuries.

How does sprint mechanics affect hamstring injuries?

Sprint is one of the most demanding physical activities in football. Studies cited by Bramah show that sudden increases in sprint load can lead to injuries. Additionally, the quality of running mechanics plays a significant role: suboptimal movements increase stride tension, raising the risk of muscle damage.

An interesting aspect is how small adjustments in technique, such as increasing stride frequency or improving the trunk tilt angle, can reduce accumulated tension in the hamstrings. These interventions not only prevent injuries but also enhance athletic performance.

What role does lumbopelvic control play in injury prevention?

Lumbopelvic control is essential for preventing imbalances that overload the hamstrings. Bramah highlights that changes in pelvic tilt can alter the tension in the biceps femoris muscle. Additionally, tools like the Sprint Mechanics Assessment Score (SMAS) allow for quick and effective evaluation of these factors on the field.

This control also affects the overall stability of the body during the sprint. It helps optimize the movement of the lower limbs. Coaches and physiotherapists can implement specific strengthening and mobility exercises to improve lumbopelvic control.

Model of the muscular system showing the lumbopelvic core.

How can movement patterns be evaluated in sports?

Clinical evaluation in football often combines tools such as 2D cameras, radars, and speed tests. Bramah and his team developed the SMAS, a scoring system that identifies suboptimal patterns associated with future injuries.

“With this method, an entire team can be evaluated in less than 15 minutes as part of the warm-up,” says Bramah.

Additionally, integrating this evaluation into daily training routines allows for constant monitoring. This not only facilitates the early detection of problems, but also allows for real-time adjustments to training programs. The goal is to prevent injuries and optimize performance.

Is it possible to improve sprint mechanics?

A recurring topic is whether movement patterns can be modified. According to Bramah, the answer is yes.

“With well-planned interventions, such as specific exercises and adjustments in stride frequency, movements can be optimized without compromising performance,” he explains.

Practical cases show that even elite athletes have managed to reduce recurrent injuries after adjusting their running patterns. These modifications are often achieved with techniques like mobility exercises. For example, targeted muscle strengthening and the use of visual feedback to correct technical errors.

When and how to monitor mechanics during a season?

Regular monitoring is key to anticipating problems. Ideally, it should be done weekly as part of the warm-up. This allows for identifying changes due to fatigue or negative adaptations. However, in less ideal scenarios, monthly or quarterly evaluations can also be useful.

Additionally, combining mechanical monitoring with other indicators such as strength and endurance can provide a more complete picture of the players’ physical condition. This integrated approach helps design more effective strategies for injury prevention and performance optimization.

Football player running, related to biomechanics.

Biomechanics, a powerful tool.

Biomechanics offers powerful tools to prevent injuries and improve performance in football. From lumbopelvic control to sprint mechanics evaluation. A holistic approach is essential. As Bramah highlights,

“Movement must be an integral part of training, just like strength or mobility.”

Applied sports science is revolutionizing the way we understand and optimize performance in football.

Want to Stay Updated on the Latest News?

Stay informed about everything happening in the FSI Training ecosystem by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.

Post Author

Coordinator of FSI Lab and Host at FSI Talks
Alberto Fílter holds a PhD in Football from Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, as well as a Master’s in High Physical and Sports Performance from the same institution.

Sprint Biomechanics for Hamstring Injury Risk Management - JB Morin & Chris Bramah | FSI Talks 14

Biomechanics plays a crucial role in modern football, helping to prevent injuries and improve sports performance. In this article, based on a conversation with experts JB Morin and Chris Bramah, we will explore concepts such as sprint mechanics, lumbopelvic control, and biomechanical evaluation on the field. Why is this approach so relevant in sport?

January 2, 2025 |

9 minutes

For this FSI Talk, we have the collaboration of two excellent experts in the field:

Dr. JB Morin: Full professor at the University of Saint-Étienne, France, specializing in sprint biomechanics and sports performance. One of the leading researchers in the world in this field.

Dr. Chris Bramah: Physiotherapist and researcher at the University of Salford, expert in clinical biomechanics and sports injury prevention.

Silhouette of a muscular man performing exercises. Represents biomechanics in sports.

What is biomechanics and why is it important in football?

Biomechanics is the study of movement patterns and the forces that interact with the human body. In the context of football, it helps identify areas for improvement in running technique, optimize performance, and reduce the risk of injuries. According to Chris Bramah,

“Movement directly influences the tension applied to tissues, especially the hamstrings, one of the most vulnerable areas in footballers.”

Furthermore, biomechanics allows the development of personalized strategies for each athlete. It takes into account factors such as body composition, strength, and specific movement patterns. This results in better physical preparation and a lower incidence of injuries.

How does sprint mechanics affect hamstring injuries?

Sprint is one of the most demanding physical activities in football. Studies cited by Bramah show that sudden increases in sprint load can lead to injuries. Additionally, the quality of running mechanics plays a significant role: suboptimal movements increase stride tension, raising the risk of muscle damage.

An interesting aspect is how small adjustments in technique, such as increasing stride frequency or improving the trunk tilt angle, can reduce accumulated tension in the hamstrings. These interventions not only prevent injuries but also enhance athletic performance.

What role does lumbopelvic control play in injury prevention?

Lumbopelvic control is essential for preventing imbalances that overload the hamstrings. Bramah highlights that changes in pelvic tilt can alter the tension in the biceps femoris muscle. Additionally, tools like the Sprint Mechanics Assessment Score (SMAS) allow for quick and effective evaluation of these factors on the field.

This control also affects the overall stability of the body during the sprint. It helps optimize the movement of the lower limbs. Coaches and physiotherapists can implement specific strengthening and mobility exercises to improve lumbopelvic control.

Model of the muscular system showing the lumbopelvic core.

How can movement patterns be evaluated in sports?

Clinical evaluation in football often combines tools such as 2D cameras, radars, and speed tests. Bramah and his team developed the SMAS, a scoring system that identifies suboptimal patterns associated with future injuries.

“With this method, an entire team can be evaluated in less than 15 minutes as part of the warm-up,” says Bramah.

Additionally, integrating this evaluation into daily training routines allows for constant monitoring. This not only facilitates the early detection of problems, but also allows for real-time adjustments to training programs. The goal is to prevent injuries and optimize performance.

Is it possible to improve sprint mechanics?

A recurring topic is whether movement patterns can be modified. According to Bramah, the answer is yes.

“With well-planned interventions, such as specific exercises and adjustments in stride frequency, movements can be optimized without compromising performance,” he explains.

Practical cases show that even elite athletes have managed to reduce recurrent injuries after adjusting their running patterns. These modifications are often achieved with techniques like mobility exercises. For example, targeted muscle strengthening and the use of visual feedback to correct technical errors.

When and how to monitor mechanics during a season?

Regular monitoring is key to anticipating problems. Ideally, it should be done weekly as part of the warm-up. This allows for identifying changes due to fatigue or negative adaptations. However, in less ideal scenarios, monthly or quarterly evaluations can also be useful.

Additionally, combining mechanical monitoring with other indicators such as strength and endurance can provide a more complete picture of the players’ physical condition. This integrated approach helps design more effective strategies for injury prevention and performance optimization.

Football player running, related to biomechanics.

Biomechanics, a powerful tool.

Biomechanics offers powerful tools to prevent injuries and improve performance in football. From lumbopelvic control to sprint mechanics evaluation. A holistic approach is essential. As Bramah highlights,

“Movement must be an integral part of training, just like strength or mobility.”

Applied sports science is revolutionizing the way we understand and optimize performance in football.

Want to Stay Updated on the Latest News?

Stay informed about everything happening in the FSI Training ecosystem by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.

Post Author

Coordinador de FSI Lab y Host en FSI Talks

Alberto Fílter cuenta con un Doctorado en Fútbol por la Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla, además de un Máster en Alto Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo por la misma institución.

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