An in-season ecological program performed by soccer players changes pelvic kinematics during static, linear sprinting and sport-specific tasks: Implications for hamstring injuries.

Abstract

An association has been reported between anterior pelvic tilt (APT) and hamstring injuries; however, no research has examined if an ecological training-based intervention could alter APT in soccer specific tasks. This study investigated the effects of a multicomponent intervention, combining lumbopelvic control exercises and running technique training, on pelvis structure during static, high-speed running (HSR), and high-speed soccer running (HSSR) tasks, and lower limb kinematics, in semi-professional soccer players over a 6-week in-season period. Seventeen players were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG). Static APT and three-dimensional (3D) kinematics data were collected during HSR and HSSR tasks before (PRE) and after (POST) the training period. The IG demonstrated a significant reduction in APT during static (p = 0.024), HSR (p < 0.005) and HSSR (p < 0.005) conditions. Additionally, lower limb kinematics changed according with the principles of front-side mechanics, increasing trunk upright posture and femur vertical orientation in HSR and HSSR. The intervention effectively reduced APT during static and dynamic conditions, in soccer players during the season without affecting sprint performance. These findings suggest that integrating this program into a team's weekly microcycle as part of a holistic approach could contribute to a reduction in hamstring strain.