Differences of hamstring muscle strength between para-sprinter with upper and lower limb deficiency: Descriptive observational study

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the differences in hamstring muscle strength between para-sprinters with upper limb deficiency and lower limb deficiency. Participation in para-sprinting provides physical and psychosocial benefits, yet the repetitive high-intensity movements increase the risk of hamstring injuries. Previous findings showed that hamstring injuries were most likely to occur during maximal sprinting, with sprinters experiencing the highest incidence. Among 109 runners examined, 12 sustained hamstring injuries, 9 cases in sprinters and 3 in non-sprinters demonstrating that approximately 75% of these injuries occurred in sprinters. Furthermore, half of all injuries sustained by sprinters involved the hamstring muscles. As hamstring strength is essential for sprint performance and athletes with limb deficiencies rely more on their remaining muscles, examining these differences is important. This research used a quantitative observational method with a purposive sampling technique. The sample consisted of 13 para-sprint athletes belonging to National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Indonesia, comprising 7 athletes with upper limb deficiency and 6 athletes with lower limb deficiency. Hamstring muscle strength was measured isometrically using the Diers Myoline device. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test.  Based on the results of the independent t-test, it can be seen that the significance value for the difference in hamstring muscle strength was 0.887, the significance value for right hamstring muscle strength was 0.782, and the significance value for left hamstring muscle strength was 0.128. The results showed no significant difference in hamstring muscle strength between the two groups (p > 0.05). This indicates that both groups have relatively balanced neuromuscular adaptive capabilities. These findings highlight the importance of biomechanical compensation strategies in supporting performance and injury prevention, regardless of the type of limb deficiency.