Hamstring Injury Management: From NordBord Testing to Return
A practical approach to managing hamstring strains using eccentric strength testing and criterion-based progression.
Hamstring Injury Management: From NordBord Testing to Return
Hamstring strains are among the most common, and most recurrent, injuries in sport. Eccentric hamstring weakness is a well-established risk factor, which is why eccentric testing and training belong at the centre of your plan.
Step 1, Test the baseline
The NordBord measures eccentric hamstring strength bilaterally. Capture a baseline at pre-season so you have a reference point. After injury, compare the injured side to both its pre-injury value and the uninjured side.
Step 2, Protect and de-load
In the first days, reduce pain and protect the tissue. Isometric loading within pain limits maintains muscle activation without stressing the healing fibres.
Step 3, Build eccentric capacity
As tolerance improves, progress to Nordic hamstring exercises and overloaded eccentrics. Re-test on the NordBord and aim for the injured side to return to at least 90% of the uninjured side (limb-symmetry index).
Step 4, High-speed running
Hamstrings are most commonly injured during high-speed running. Gradually reintroduce running exposure, build sprint volume progressively before returning to maximal sprints.
Step 5, Return to play
Criteria for return:
- Pain-free Nordic and max-effort sprint
- Eccentric strength LSI greater than 90%
- Completion of sport-specific drills and full training
- Confidence from the athlete
Don't stop after return
Re-injury risk is highest in the first weeks back. Continue eccentric strength work, monitor wellness and load, and re-test the NordBord regularly to catch any decline early.
Prospect's VALD integration pulls NordBord eccentric strength data straight into each athlete's profile, so baseline, injury and return-to-play testing live in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NordBord?
The NordBord is a device that measures eccentric hamstring strength during the Nordic hamstring exercise, providing objective bilateral and relative strength data used for screening, monitoring and guiding rehabilitation.
How does the Nordic hamstring exercise reduce injury risk?
Regular Nordic hamstring training eccentrically strengthens the hamstrings, improving their capacity to absorb force during high-speed running, which research shows significantly reduces the rate of hamstring strains.
When can an athlete return to running after a hamstring strain?
Return to running should follow pain-free progression through isometric, concentric and eccentric strength milestones, with eccentric strength near pre-injury levels (assessed via NordBord) and no pain on acceleration testing before high-speed running is reintroduced.