Relationship Between Deep Squat And Joint Range Of Ankle Motion In Young Female Hockey Players

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The "Deep Squat" (DS) is a qualitative functional test that integrates muscle strength, neuromuscular control, mobility and joint stability. This test has been frequently used to identify risk of musculoskeletal injury in varied populations. The active joint range of motion (AROM) is the arc of mobility that an individual performs during a voluntary movement, measured objectively by goniometer. PURPOSE: Identify the relationship between the DS and the AROM of the ankle measured by goniometer in young female hockey players who belong to Gimnasia Esgrima Rosario Club. METHODS: Twenty young and healthy female hockey players (age: 16.12 ± 1.16 years; Weight: 57.40 ± 6.32 Kg; Height: 161.42 ± 6.14 cm), participated in this study. Asymptomatic subjects were included, with no history of lumbar spine, hip, knee or ankle injuries. The functional DS test was measured by goniometer in angular degrees of movement for knee flexion, and three bilateral tests for the AROM of dorsiflexion of the ankle (a- Bipedal position with partial load; b- Seated with knee flexed at 90°; and c- Seated with knee at 0° of flexion). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC: 0,832-0,993) and the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM: 0,803-0,971) were established by analysis of variance one way for each variable measured. We have applied matched t-test differences to determine statistical differences (SD) between dominant and non-dominant leg at p<0.05. Correlations were calculated through Pearson coefficient (r) between DS and right and left AROM mean values. RESULTS: No significant differences (ns) were found for dominant and non-dominant leg. Low correlation was found for dorsiflexion in bipedal position with partial load (r = 0.48; p <0.05) and seated with knee flexed at 90° (r = 0.39; p = 0.09 ns). However, a moderate correlation was found between the goniometric measurement of DS and dorsiflexion in the seat with 0° knee flexion (r = 0.61; p <0.01). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we conclude that the DS measured objectively by goniometer has a moderate r with dorsiflexion seated with knee at 0° of flexion (gastrocnemius muscle length test). Therefore, in this sample, the DS test could be influenced by other determinants factors different from mobility, as they are the muscle strength, neuromuscular control and joint stability.