The Effect of Sportsmetrics Training on Landing Technique in Female Volleyball Players With Dynamic Knee Valgus

Abstract

Background and Aims The most serious and severe injuries among female volleyball players is the knee injury, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Its key risk factors are dynamic knee valgus (DKV) and abnormal alignment during jump landing. One of the successful protocols regarding the prevention of knee injuries in female volleyball players is professional sportsmetrics volleyball training. In the present study, the effect of this protocol on DKV correction and landing error scoring system (LESS) was investigated. Methods The current research is quasi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design. The statistical sample included 30 female volleyball players (Mean±SD age: 20.83±2.22 years, Mean±SD height: 168.16±6.47 cm, Mean±SD weight: 59.13±7.4 kg, Mean±SD body mass index (BMI): 20.83±1.52 kg/m2, and Mean±SD sports experience: 5.46±1.8 years) who were randomly divided into the training (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. Double leg squat and LESS tests were used to evaluate DKV and landing error. The exercise group participated in the present protocol for 6 weeks, three sessions per week. Each session was approximately 90 minutes, including warm-up exercises, sportsmetrics volleyball training, and cool-down. The analyses of covariance were used to evaluate the data at a significant level of P=0.05. Results The results of covariance analysis showed that performing these exercises significantly reduced (P=0.01) DKV (from 23.13 to 7.86) and landing error (from 17.46 to 7.6). In other words, the training group experienced a 66% decrease in DKV and a 56% decrease in landing error after performing six weeks of sportsmetrics volleyball training. Conclusion Sportsmetrics volleyball training has successfully improved performance and prevented ACL injury in female volleyball players. According to the present study results, performing these exercises leads to correct DKV and improves lower extremity alignment and landing technique. Therefore, performing sportsmetrics volleyball training is strongly recommended for female volleyball players with DKV.