Three-dimensional Multiple Object Tracking’s Role In Injury Incidence Reduction In Collegiate Athletics

Abstract

Three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) has been proposed as a training tool for processing dynamic events such as sports activities, and has been hypothesized to reduce athletic injuries through increased awareness of player movement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if 3D-MOT is an effective intervention to minimize the risk of injury in collegiate ice hockey and lacrosse. METHODS: 78 NCAA Division III ice hockey and lacrosse players volunteered for a season-long investigation. Players were assigned to a 3D-MOT training intervention (3D-MOT; n=38) or a control group (C; n = 40). 3D-MOT training gains were measured by mean speed threshold (m/s) obtained from Core training sessions and were analyzed using paired t-tests. Athletic trainers (ATs) attended school-sanctioned team conditioning sessions, practices, and competitions from which injury data was collected. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) were performed to compare total number of injuries over time and between groups (3D MOT and C). Two additional RM-ANOVA were performed to explore if 3D-MOT training decreased the number of injuries over time based on injury mechanism (i.e., contact vs. non-contact). RESULTS: The mean speed threshold significantly increased from the first Core session to the last Core session (p=0.000). The total number of injuries significantly decreased over the course of the season (p=0.002). When comparing the 3D-MOT to C, there was no significant difference in the total number of injuries (p=0.293). For those injured at baseline, the total number of injuries also significantly decreased over time (p=.002) though the 3D-MOT intervention had no effect on the number of injuries in athletes injured at baseline (p=.204). The 3D-MOT intervention did not have an effect on mechanism of injury, however both contact (p=.016) and non-contact injuries (p=.013) significantly decreased over time (length of season). CONCLUSIONS: Motion perception training with 3D-MOT did not decrease injury incidence in NCAA Division III men’s and women’s ice hockey and lacrosse athletes compared to controls. NCAA Division III men’s and women’s ice hockey and lacrosse athletes experience fewer injuries, both contact and non-contact, as their seasons’ progress.