Muscle injuries in sprinting and jumping sports can have a significant impact on performance, limiting mobility and strength. The quadriceps muscle group, particularly the vastus intermedius, plays a critical role in knee extension and force absorption during sprinting and jumping. Understanding the pathology of muscle injuries and implementing evidence-based rehabilitation strategies is crucial for effective recovery. A triple jump 18 – year male athlete presented with right anterior thigh pain on the day of injury. While doing 30 -meter sprint test he suddenly felt a catch in his right thigh and stopped with a subjective complaint of pain, catch and cramp. Subsequently there was onset of swelling, sharp deep pain with antalgic gait. pain on VAS was 8/10 as maximum and 4/10 as minimum perception. A structured 4 week rehabilitation program was designed based on the phases of tissue healing and return to sport. Rehabilitation resulted in a significant increase in peak torque in the involved limb at both tested angles. The left side not only recovered but surpassed the uninvolved side in some instances, indicating successful intervention and muscular adaptation.
Key words: Vastus Intermedius, Conservative management, triple jump, Rehabilitation, performance
Authors: Meenu & Chethan R