Assessment of the efficacy of the Askling protocol for return to play after hamstring injuries in football players: A systematic review

Context Hamstring injuries are common among football players and represent a major cause of game time loss. The Askling protocol, specifically targeting these muscles through eccentric exercises, could optimize return to play (RTP). Methods This systematic review analyzed four randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of the Askling protocol compared to conventional treatments. The main evaluation criteria were the time to RTP and the frequency of injury recurrence. Results The findings indicate that the Askling protocol significantly reduces RTP time, with an average decrease of 23 days compared to traditional methods. However, data on the prevention of recurrences are less conclusive, with studies showing varied results without significant differences. Conclusions The Askling protocol appears effective in accelerating RTP for football players suffering from hamstring injuries. Nevertheless, its impact on reducing recurrences is not clearly established, requiring further research to confirm these long-term benefits. More studies with larger samples and longer follow-ups are recommended to refine these conclusions.