Psycho-social-contextual factors in return to sport after hamstring strain injuries: a scoping review (bmjopensem.bmj.com)

• Psychological factors (anxiety, fear, readiness) were most reported; social and contextual factors were less explored.
• Psychological readiness was inconsistently defined and assessed informally, not with validated instruments.
• Clinicians should consider structured psychosocial screening and shared decision-making to enhance RTS after HSI.

"This scoping review mapped psychological, social, and contextual factors influencing return to sport (RTS) after hamstring strain injuries (HSI). Ten studies (n=663, mostly elite football) were included. Three domains emerged: psychological (anxiety, fear, self-perceived readiness, motivation, self-efficacy), social (therapeutic alliance, communication, hierarchical dynamics), and contextual (season timing, resource availability). Psychological readiness was inconsistently defined and assessed informally. Incorporating structured psychosocial screening and shared decision-making alongside physical criteria may improve RTS safety and sustainability."