6 The landing error scoring system (LESS) and lower limb power profiles in elite rugby union players

Abstract

The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a relatively new clinical test that assesses landing biomechanics during a drop jump task. Performance measures such as Jump Height (JH), Power (P), Contact time (CT) and Reactive Strength Index (RSI) are common performance measures in an athletic population. Comparing results from the LESS against these performance measures has not previously been reported in an elite rugby union setting. The aim of this study was to compare differences between LESS scores and lower limb performance measures in elite male rugby union players. Thirty two male, elite rugby union players participated in the study. Each participant completed 3 trials of the LESS. Performance data regarding JH, P, CT and RSI were recorded concurrently via the OptoJump system (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). LESS trials were scored independently by the authors. Statistical analyses were used to confirm inter and intra-rater reliability. Data was tested for normality and one-way factorial MANOVA was used to assess between group differences (p