Term of Award

Spring 2014

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology (M.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Department

Department of Health and Kinesiology

Committee Chair

Barry A.Munkasy

Committee Member 1

Thomas A. Buckley

Committee Member 2

Barry Joyner

Abstract

Context: The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a two-dimensional landing technique assessment tool that is readily available to clinicians. However, the LESS merely assesses a contrived landing, rather than dynamic, complex movements that may occur during actual athletic performance. Objective: To compare the LESS scores and knee joint kinematics between the LESS vertical-drop jump (DVJ), and two simulated basketball landing performances, jump-stop jump shot (JS) and rebounding (RB). Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study. Setting: An intramural basketball court. Participants: Twenty-five female recreational basketball players (Age: 20.96±1.70, Height (cm): 166.07 ± 9.10, Weight (kg): 68.54 ±12.17). Intervention(s): Participants performed the DVJ, JS, and RB. All landing performances were video-recorded and kinematics were analyzed using Dartfish. Results: LESS scores were significantly different between DVJ (5.97±1.43) and JS (8.75±0.94) (p < 0.001), DVJ and RB (7.33±1.02) (p < 0.001), and JS and RB (p < 0.001). Knee flexion angle (KFL) at initial contact (IC) was significantly different between JS (25.62°±4.80°) and RB (21.06°± 4.84°) (p < 0.005), maximum KFL was significantly different between DVJ (89.55°±12.14°) and JS (82.54°±10.60°) (p <0.001), and DVJ and RB (21.06°±4.84°) (p < 0.001). Knee abduction angle (KAB) at IC was significantly different between JS (5.96°±3.85°) and DVJ (1.94°±3.22°) (P< 0.001); JS and RB (3.10°±3.26°) (p < 0.001); and, no significant difference was found in KAB at maximum knee flexion (Max) between any combination of the three landings. Conclusions: Female recreational basketball players employed a different landing strategy between a controlled landing and simulated basketball landing tasks. The simulated basketball landings might better help identify athletes with poor landing technique, and are at higher risk of sustaining ACL injuries.

Download

Share

COinS