A study, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, examined and evaluated current injury grading systems in relation to their effectiveness.
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute researchers analyzed different classification and grading systems. They found each system had its unique strengths but criticized the lack of unanimity behind the systems.
University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute Research Director and study co-author Thomas Best, PhD, said, "Muscle injuries remain one of the most common injuries in sports, yet despite this, there is little consensus on how to either effectively describe or determine the prognosis of a specific injury."
Researchers said a new classification system is needed that can better inform athletes about their prognosis and aid physicians in the diagnosis and management of muscle injuries.
Dr. Best said, "While the ability to predict return to play is an expectation placed upon practitioners working with athletes, there is still incomplete evidence upon which to base decisions."