The Effect of Sportsmetrics on the Performance and Knee Valgus During Landing of Female Soccer Players

Abstract

Purpose: Dynamic knee valgus and poor technique during landing are not only key risk factors for lower extremity injuries especially knee injury, but also can reduce the performance of athletes in the field. Sportsmetrics soccer training is one of the successful knee injury prevention and enhancement performance protocols for female soccer players. Because the effect of sportsmetrics soccer training has not been investigated on the performance and knee valgus during landing in female soccer players, we aimed to investigate this subject. Methods: The current field-trial study was conducted on 24 female soccer players with dynamic knee valgus that were randomly divided into two groups: the training group (TG) and the control group (CG). The assessment tests were the agility t-test, 40-yard test, vertical jump test, double leg squat test, and valgus landing error scoring system test (LESS). The TG group participated in sportsmetrics soccer training regularly for 6 weeks, three 90-min sessions a week. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the obtained data (P<0.05). Results: Six weeks of sportsmetrics soccer training in the TG group not only reduced dynamic knee valgus during landing (51% reduction, F=171.8, P=0.01) but also improved performance factors significantly: agility (0.50 s reduction, F=23.29, P=0.01), power (2.50 cm increase, F=13.20, P=0.01) and speed (0.30 s reduction, F=23.66, P=0.01). Conclusion: Sportsmetrics soccer training is strongly suggested for soccer players exposed to knee injuries due to dynamic knee valgus during landing.