Increased anterior pelvic tilt angle elevates the risk of hamstring injuries in soccer player

Res Sports Med. 2024 Nov 21:1-17. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2024.2430662. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine the impact of increased anterior pelvic tilt angle on hamstring muscle injuries in football players. An independent t-test was performed to compare right and left anterior pelvic tilt angles.

Design: The study was conducted by monitoring 76 different players from a professional club in the Premier Division of Professional Football League over a period of five years. During this time, the hamstring injuries sustained by the players and their severity were recorded using MRI imaging techniques.

Result: The comparison of the right and left anterior pelvic tilt angles among players was analysed using an independent t-test for independent groups. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the threshold value that categorizes the right and left angles. According to the results, a significant impact of the variation in right-left anterior pelvic tilt angle on hamstring muscle injuries was observed (p < 0.05). However, no significant effects were found for the Q angle, tibial torsion, or knee posture (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be stated that an increase in the anterior pelvic tilt angle is associated with a higher frequency of hamstring injuries.

Keywords: Anterior pelvic tilt angle; hamstring injuries; soccer.