Tuck Jump Assessment Research Articles

Effects of Fatigue on Lower Limb Biomechanics and Kinetic Stabilization During the Tuck-Jump Assessment.

General and local muscular fatigue is postulated to negatively alter lower limb biomechanics; however, few prospective studies have been done to examine the effect of fatigue on tuck-jump performance. The tuck-jump assessment (TJA) is a criteria-based visual screening tool designed to identify neuromuscular deficits associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Use of kinetics during the TJA after an intense sport-specific fatigue protocol may identify fatigue-induced neuromuscular deficits associated with ACL injury risk. To examine the effects of a sport-specific fatigue protocol on visually evidenced (2-dimensional) technical performance of repeated tuck jumps and lower limb kinetic stabilization. Cross-sectional study. Laboratory. Twelve female netball athletes (age = 20.8 ± 2.6 years, height = 170.0 ± 0.04 cm, mass = 67.5 ± 7.4 kg). Participants performed 1 set of a TJA before and after a sport-specific fatigue protocol. Paired t tests and effect sizes were used to evaluate differences and the magnitude of differences in TJA scoring criterion, kinetics, and kinetic stabilization prefatigue to postfatigue. A small increase was observed for vertical relative lower extremity stiffness postfatigue (P = .005; Hedges g = 0.45). Peak center-of-mass displacement, time of jump cycle, ground contact time, flight time, jump height, and vertical net impulse decreased with small to moderate effect sizes (P < .01; Hedges g range, 0.41-0.74). No differences were observed for TJA composite scores, peak vertical ground reaction force, and stabilization indices of kinetic variables after the fatigue protocol (P > .05). Kinetic analysis of repeated tuck jumps after a fatigue protocol identified an altered jumping strategy, which was not identifiable via visual 2-dimensional assessment. However, based on kinetic measures, fatigue induces a stiffer jumping strategy, and practitioners should consider assessing load attenuation strategies that may not be visually evident when evaluating ACL-injury risk factors in athletes who are fatigued.

Interlimb kinetic asymmetries during the tuck jump assessment are more exposed following kinetic stabilization

ObjectiveTo analyse interlimb kinetics and asymmetries during the tuck jump assessment (TJA), before and after kinetic stabilization, to identify injury risk in healthy female athletes. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingLaboratory. ParticipantsTwenty-five healthy females (age 21.0 ± 1.83 yrs; height 1.68 ± 0.06 m; body mass 69.4 ± 10.7 kg). Main outcome measuresKinetics were measured during 10-s trials of the TJA and absolute asymmetries compared, before and after kinetic stabilization using paired sample t-tests. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) compared vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) data for each limb during the jumping cycles before and after stabilization. ResultsSmall to moderate increases in interlimb asymmetries were observed after stabilization for VGRF, relative vertical leg stiffness, average loading rate, total and propulsive impulse, peak braking and propulsive force (p < 0.05). SPM revealed significant interlimb differences between 77-98% and 83–99% of ground contact for the jumping cycles pre- and post-stabilization respectively. ConclusionsLarger asymmetries were evident after kinetic stabilization, with increased VGRF in the non-dominant limb. We speculate that participants sacrificed interlimb landing symmetry to achieve kinetic stability, which may reflect a primal landing strategy that forgoes movement quality. Assessing lower limb biomechanics using the TJA should involve examining kinetic stability and interlimb kinetic asymmetries.

Composite Score of Readiness (CSR) as a Data Reduction Technique for Monitoring the RTS Process in Footballers following ACL Reconstruction

In recent years, many studies on the safe return to sport (RTS) have been published, but there are still no clear and validated guidelines. After ACL reconstruction between limbs, asymmetry of muscle strength affects knee mechanics during walking and running, and asymmetrical joint kinematics and kinetics are considered as a strong risk factor of musculoskeletal injury. Therefore, proper diagnosis of any motor deficits remaining after ACL reconstruction seems particularly important. The aim of this study was to analyze how many tests should be included in the RTS test battery and which of them are most indicative for functional deficits related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Sixty-five male football players (age 18–25 years) were divided into three groups: ACL group—after ACL rupture and reconstruction, mild injury group—post mild lower limb injuries, and the control group—without injuries. They performed five tests: Functional Movement Screen, Tuck Jump Assessment, Y-balance Test, Hop Test for Distance, and Isokinetic Test. The Composite Score of Readiness (CSR) index was calculated and expressed as the sum of z-scores. The multiple regression model for all tests was calculated, and then redundant variables were excluded. We observed that all tests significantly influenced the final CSR index. The Y-balance Test, Tuck Jump Assessment, and Isokinetic Test for knee flexion influenced the final CSR index the most, which means that these tests are greatly indicative of functional deficits related to ACL reconstruction. The strength of the extensor (quadriceps) muscle and the quadriceps/hamstring ratio appeared to be non-sensitive for testing functional deficits related to ACL reconstruction. If the test battery includes 4–5 tests, it better differentiates the athletes following ACL reconstruction from those after mild injuries, even if they all were cleared to play.

Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Jumping and Landing Deficits in Young Female Handball Players.

Neuromuscular and biomechanical imbalances that exist in jumping and landing actions should be examined in order to intervene to decrease the risk of ACL injury. The main aim of this study was to analyse and compare, by chronological age, jumping and landing deficits in young female handball players using the Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA). A secondary aim was to relate the qualitative asymmetry values detected using the TJA to the quantitative asymmetry values detected starting from the single leg countermovement jump (SL-CMJ). Sixty-one young female handball players (age: 14.3 ± 1.5 years) were distributed into three groups: U12, U14 and U16 and performed the TJA test and the single leg countermovement jump (SL-CMJ). The female U12 category players obtained the highest scores in the TJA and there were significant differences between the U12 (12.11 ± 1.97) and U14 (10.89 ± 1.74) categories (p = 0.017; ES = 0.374). In the U12 category, the female players presented larger interlimb asymmetry magnitudes in the SL-CMJ test; they also obtained higher scores in the qualitative criteria of the TJA test that referred to asymmetry (r = 0.43; p = 0.027). The analysis of the jumping and landing pattern using TJA allowed us to identify that the lower extremity valgus at landing, foot contact timing not equal and landing contact noise are the main biomechanical deficits in young female handball players. Furthermore, the asymmetry values assessed qualitatively (TJA) are associated with the asymmetry values assessed quantitatively (difference in jump achieved with each limb in the SL-CMJ test) in younger categories.

Kinetics and Stabilization of the Tuck Jump Assessment.

Kinetic profiles of athletes performing the tuck jump assessment (TJA) are unknown and may provide insight into the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury. The purpose of this study was to (1)analyze vertical kinetics of the TJA and (2)determine the stabilization of the kinetics across successive jumping cycles. Twenty-five healthy female athletes (age = 22.0 [4.6]y; height = 1.69 [0.07]m; body mass = 69.3 [10.3]kg) completed one trial of repeated tuck jumps on a force plate for 10seconds. Vertical ground reaction force data were used to calculate the following variables across all jump cycles: time of jump cycle (0.65 [0.04]s), ground contact time (0.22 [0.03]s), flight time (0.43 [0.04]s), duty factor (0.34 [0.05]), jump height (0.23 [0.04]m), peak vertical force (5.52 [0.91]body weight [BW]), peak center of mass displacement (0.15 [0.02]m), vertical leg stiffness (27.09 [7.06]BW·m-1), vertical average loading rate (105.94 [28.43]BW·s-1), vertical instantaneous loading rate (140.90 [28.49]BW·s-1), and net impulse (0.43 [0.03]BW·s). A sequential averaging technique indicated a minimum of 11 jumps were required for stabilization of the kinetics. The TJA exposes athletes to high magnitudes of vertical force. Based on the high variability of performance during early repetitions and the potential to miscategorize high-risk landing in female athletes, practitioners should consider scoring the TJA after 11 successive cycles and using kinetic profiling to support landing assessments.

A Return to Sport Test Battery does not Predict Second Injury After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Athletes

Background:There is mixed evidence on the effectiveness of return to sport test (RTST) batteries and their ability to predict second Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. The majority of tests in the literature include objective measures of strength, hop test distance, knee range of motion and laxity, and measures of psychological readiness to return. Few RTST batteries include movement quality assessments.Purpose:To determine the effectiveness of a RTST test battery, including qualitative movement assessments, to predict second ACL injury in adolescent athletes after primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR).Methods:A retrospective chart review of 77 adolescent athletes who underwent primary ACLR between 2014 and 2018 (55 males, age at surgery 16 + 2 years, BMI 25 ± 5) was conducted. All athletes completed a RTST battery consisting of psychological assessment with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), lateral step down test (LSDT), Tuck jump assessment (TJA), single leg hop testing (SLHT) including the single, triple, and triple crossover hop for distance, and an evaluation of cutting performance. The LSDT, SLHT’s and cutting task were evaluated using a qualitative movement assessment checklist, which awarded a point for each movement fault identified. Athletes passed the RTST if they scored <19 on the TSK-11, <2 on the LSDT, <3 on all SLHT’s with a Limb Symmetry index > 95%, < 5 on the TJA and, < 2 on the cutting assessment. All variables were analyzed descriptively. For continuous variables, median and interquartile ranges (IQR) were reported and Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess the differences. For categorical variables, frequency and proportion were reported and chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to assess differences between “no second ACL injury” and “second ACL injury” groups.Results:Overall, 14.2% of athletes (N=11) suffered a second ACL injury (81.8% males). Median Tegner score in both groups was 7 (IQR: 7-9). Median time to RTS clearance was significantly different between the no second ACL injury and second ACL injury groups (10 [IQR: 8-12] vs 8[IQR:8-9] months; p=0.017). A total of 66.2% of athletes (N= 51) passed the RTST. Of those who suffered a second ACL injury, 63.6% passed the RTS. There was no statistically significant difference between those who passed the RTST and those that did not on the occurrence of second ACL injury.Conclusion:A RTST battery including qualitative movement assessments does not predict second ACL injury in adolescent athletes after ACLR.

Neuromuscular control and hop performance in youth and adult male and female football players

ObjectivesTo compare neuromuscular control and hop performance between youth and adult male and female football players. DesignCross-sectional study. Participants119 youth players (13–16 years; 68 males) and 88 adult players (17–26 years; 44 males). Main outcome measuresNeuromuscular control assessed with drop vertical jump (DVJ) and tuck jump assessment (TJA). Hop performance assessed with single-leg hop for distance and side hop. ResultsAdult females had smaller normalized knee separation distances (NKSD) during DVJ at initial contact (77.9 ± 18.5 vs. 86.1 ± 11.0, p = 0.010) and at maximum knee flexion (59.7 ± 23.4 vs.74.1 ± 18.1, p = 0.001) compared to youth females. TJA revealed more technique errors in youths compared to adults (males 10 (8–11) vs. 8 (7–10); females 11 (9–12) vs. 9 (8–11), p < 0.05). Youths demonstrated inferior hop performance (males single-leg hop 142 ± 18 vs. 163 ± 17, side hop 41 ± 12 vs. 52 ± 12, p < 0.001; females side hop 32 ± 10 vs. 38 ± 14, p < 0.05). ConclusionsYouth players demonstrated reduced neuromuscular control during TJA and inferior hop performance compared to adult players. Adult female players demonstrated greater knee valgus during DVJ compared to youth female players.

Relationships between Athletic Motor Skill Competencies and Maturity, Sex, Physical Performance, and Psychological Constructs in Boys and Girls.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between athletic motor skill competencies (AMSC), maturation, sex, body mass index, physical performance, and psychological constructs (motivation to exercise, physical self-efficacy, and global self-esteem). Two-hundred and twenty-four children aged 11–13 years old were included in the study and sub-divided by sex. The athlete introductory movement screen (AIMS) and tuck jump assessment (TJA) were used to assess AMSC, while standing long jump distance assessed physical performance. Online surveys examined participants’ motivation to exercise, physical self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Trivial to moderate strength relationships were evident between AMSC and BMI (boys: rs = −0.183; girls: rs = −0.176), physical performance (boys: rs = 0.425; girls: rs = 0.397), and psychological constructs (boys: rs = 0.130–0.336; girls rs = 0.030–0.260), with the strength of relationships different between the sexes. Higher levels of AMSC were related to significantly higher levels of physical performance (d = 0.25), motivation to exercise (d = 0.17), and physical self-efficacy (d = 0.15–0.19) in both boys and girls. Enhancing AMSC may have mediating effects on levels of physical performance and psychological constructs in school-aged children, which may hold important implications for physical activity levels and the development of physical literacy.

Composite Score of Readiness (CSR) as Holistic Profiling of Functional Deficits in Footballers Following ACL Reconstruction.

Background: The decision to return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is difficult; thus, coaching staff require a readable, easy-to-use, and holistic indication of an athlete’s readiness to play. Purpose: To present the Composite Score of Readiness (CSR) as a method providing a single score for RTS tests after ACL reconstruction. Methods: The study comprised 65 male football players (age 18–25 years), divided into three groups: ACL group—subjects after ACL rupture and reconstruction, Mild Injury (MI) group—subjects after mild lower limb injuries, and Control (C) group—subjects without injuries. The CSR was calculated based on three performed tests (Y-balance test, Functional Movement Screen, and Tuck Jump Assessment) and expressed as the sum of z-scores. The CSR index allows highlighting an athlete’s functional deficits across tests relative to the evaluated group. Results: The CSR indicated that relative to the group of athletes under the study, similar functional deficits were present. Comparing athletes following ACL reconstruction to both the MI and C groups, in the majority of subjects, the CSR index was below zero. The correlation between CSR and raw tests results indicated that the CSR is most strongly determined by YBT. Conclusion: The CSR is a simple way to differentiate people after serious injuries (with large functional deficits) from people without injuries or with only small deficits. Because the CSR is a single number, it allows us to more easily interpret the value of functional deficits in athletes, compared to rating those deficits based on raw tests results.

Systematic review of screening tools for common soccer injuries and their risk factors.

BackgroundSeveral screening tools are available for use in a clinical setting to predict injury. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the accuracy of these tools to predict soccer-specific injuries.ObjectivesThe purpose of this systematic literature review was to determine the psychometric properties or accuracy of screening tools for common soccer injuries.MethodsA systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy was undertaken based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) procedure for conducting systematic reviews. Databases such as SPORT Discus, Cinahl, Medline, Science Direct, PubMed and grey literature were searched in order to access suitable studies.ResultsA total of 10 studies were included for the analysis – three were analysed quantitatively whilst the remaining seven were analysed qualitatively. The screening tools were of high reliability, sensitivity and specificity (calculated as intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] (0.68 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–0.84 and 0.64 95% CI: 0.61–0.66, respectively).ConclusionThe screening tools assessed for the prediction of common soccer injuries that emerged from this systematic review include the Functional Movement Screening (FMS™), the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), the Tuck Jump Assessment, the Soccer Injury Movement Screening (SIMS) and the conventional hamstrings to quadriceps ratio; all with good evidence of predicting common soccer injuries. These tools were of high sensitivity and specificity thus reliable for soccer screening.Clinical implicationsThe validity of these tools is acceptable and therefore the authors recommend that these tools be included in an injury prevention programme for soccer players.

Reliability of the Tuck Jump Assessment Using Standardized Rater Training

BACKGROUNDThe Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA) is a test used to assess technique flaws during a 10-second, high intensity, jumping bout. Although the TJA has broad clinical applicability, there is no standardized training to maximize the TJA measurement properties.HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSETo determine the reliability of the TJA using varied healthcare professionals following an online standardized training program. The authors hypothesized that the total score will have moderate to excellent levels of intra- and interrater reliability.STUDY DESIGNCross-sectional reliability.METHODSA website was created by a physical therapist (PT) with videos, written descriptors of the 10 TJA technique flaws, and examples of what constituted no flaw, minor flaw, or major flaw (0,1,2) using published standards. The website was then validated (both face and content) by four experts. Three raters of different professions: a PT, an AT, and a Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) were selected due to their expertise with injury and movement. Raters used the online standardized training, scored 41 videos of participants’ TJAs, then scored them again two weeks later. Reliability estimates were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for total scores of 10 technique flaws and Krippendorff α (K α) for the individual technique flaws (ordinal).RESULTSEleven of 50 individual technique flaws were above the acceptable level (K α = 0.80). The total score had moderate interrater reliability in both sessions (Session 1: ICC2,2 = 0.64; 95% CI (Confidence Interval) (0.34-0.81); Standard Error Measurement (SEM) = 0.66 technique flaws and Session 2: ICC2,2 = 0.56; 95% CI (0.04-0.79); SEM = 1.30). Rater 1had a good reliability (ICC2,2 = 0.76; 95% CI (0.54-0.87); SEM = 0.26), rater 2 had a moderate reliability (ICC2,2 = 0.62; 95% CI (0.24-0.80); SEM =0.41) and rater 3 had excellent reliability (ICC2,2 = 0.98; 95% CI (0.97-0.99); SEM =0.01).CONCLUSIONAll raters had at least good reliability estimates for the total score. The same level of consistency was not seen when evaluating each technique flaw. These findings suggest that the total score may not be as accurate when compared to individual technique flaws and should be used with caution.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:3b

The Effects of a Four-Week Neuromuscular Training Program on Landing Kinematics in Pre- and Post-Peak Height Velocity Male Athletes

Neuromuscular training aims to enhance motor skill competency and increase muscle strength. However, the effectiveness of short-duration interventions focused on addressing lower limb injury risk factors in male youth athletes at different stages of maturity remains unknown. Forty-eight young male academy cricket players [pre-peak height velocity (PHV) (n = 26) and post-PHV (n = 22)] were subdivided into an experimental group (EXP) who completed a 4-week progressive neuromuscular training program and controls (CON) participating in sport training only. Changes in injury risk were examined using the Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA) and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Total LESS score was significantly lower in both EXP maturity groups compared to CON following the 4-week program (10 to 6 and 6 to 4 (~ 20% to 40%)) in the pre- and post-PHV EXP groups, respectively. Significant within-group reductions in total LESS score were shown for the pre-PHV EXP group only (P < 0.05). Conversely, greater changes in TJA total score were shown in post-PHV (5 to 3; 40%) versus pre-PHV EXP (6 to 4.5; 26%). Pre-PHV players showed positive changes in individual LESS criteria indicative of frontal plane control but not in knee valgus during the TJA, whereas post-PHV players did improve this criterion. This study indicates it is possible to reduce TJA and LESS scores in male youth athletes by performing a 4-week neuromuscular training program, improving landing mechanics and reducing injury risk irrespective of maturity, but their effects are somewhat influenced by stage of maturation and the task performed.

Biomechanical Analysis of the Tuck Jump Assessment.

Nascimento, N, Sideris, V, and Read, PJ. Biomechanical analysis of the tuck jump assessment. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2946-2949, 2022-The tuck jump assessment (TJA) examines plyometric technique flaws associated with the increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Biomechanical data to investigate the mechanics used during the TJA are limited and assessing each jump individually across the entire test period is time inefficient. This study examined performance characteristics and movement mechanics in 16 professional soccer players during a standardized TJA protocol (10 jumps) to determine if sensitive periods exist within the test period (first 5 vs. last 5). Jump height, average power (PW) reactive strength index (RSI), frontal plane projection angle (FPPA), knee angular velocity (AV), and peak knee flexion angle (PKA) were analyzed using an optoelectrical and inertial measurement unit device. Jump height and PW increased in the past 5 jumps displaying a medium effect size (d = > 0.5). A trend was observed of increased AV, FPPA, and PKA during the past 5 jumps; however, no meaningful differences were observed between respective jump phases, and effect sizes were small (d ≤ 0.2). This study indicates that performance metrics increase during the past 5 jumps of a standardized TJA 10-jump protocol; thus, analyzing the entire test period may not be required, providing a time-efficient approach. Caution should be applied if using this protocol as an injury risk screening tool or to identify fatigue related alterations in male professional soccer players as no obvious movement abnormalities were apparent and minimal differences were present between jump phases in a range of kinematic variables across the recorded test duration.

Standard RTS criteria effectiveness verification using FMS, Y-balance and TJA in footballers following ACL reconstruction and mild lower limb injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most frequently injured knee ligament. In previous studies, it was demonstrated that patients following ACL reconstruction may present motor deficits which may be related to increased risk of injury. The objective of the study was to determine whether players who have passed RTS assessment still have deficits in movement patterns or in neuromuscular control after such a serious injury as ACL rupture and reconstruction,. Sixty-five male football players (age 18–25 years), recruited from regional teams, were divided into three groups: (1) ACL group-subjects after ACL rupture and reconstruction (n = 24); (2) Mild Injury (MI) group-subjects after mild lower limb injuries (n = 21); and (3) Control (C) group-subjects without injuries (n = 20). For all groups, the Y-balance test, Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA) were performed. For the Y-balance test in ACL group for the injured leg, significantly lower values were demonstrated for anterior reach ((ACL) 69.2 ± 5.7% vs. (MI) 74.8 ± 4.5% vs. (C) 74.0 ± 5.6%), at posterior-lateral reach ((ACL) 103.2 ± 6.4% vs. (C) 108.5 ± 6.0%) and composite score ((ACL) 93.9 ± 4.4% vs. (MI) 97.9 ± 4.3%) in comparison to the remaining two groups. In the FMS test, the ACL group had significantly lower composite score (12 ± 4 points) compared to the C group (15 ± 2 points). Also, compared to the remaining groups, subjects following ACL reconstruction demonstrated significantly lower performance in the TJA test related to the following elements: thighs do not reach parallel, thighs not equal side-to-side, foot placement not shoulder width apart, technique declines prior to 10 s and lower extremity valgus at landing. The authors have observed that athletes after ACL reconstruction still have deficits in movement patterns or in neuromuscular control despite passing the RTS and being cleared to perform sports. Creating a set of sufficiently sensitive assessment methods may significantly reduce the potential risk of injury due to the fact that diagnosed and monitored deficits may be treated on an ongoing basis. The authors suggest that individual elements of the Y-balance and TJA tests may be suitable for such specific assessment.

Rater Reliability of the Tuck Jump Assessment: A Critically Appraised Topic (CAT)

Focused Clinical Question: In an individual who is physically active in recreation or sport, can the tuck jump assessment be reliably scored? Clinical Bottom Line: Current evidence regarding the reliability of the original tuck jump assessment and modified tuck jump assessment are conflicting.

Tuck jump assessmentと加速度センサを組み合わせた膝前十字靱帯損傷に対する予防トレーニングの効果検証

Tuck jump assessmentと加速度センサを組み合わせた膝前十字靱帯損傷に対する予防トレーニングの効果検証

The Effects of Strength and Conditioning in Physical Education on Athletic Motor Skill Competencies and Psychological Attributes of Secondary School Children: A Pilot Study.

Leading global physical activity guidelines advocate that young children need to engage in activities that strengthen musculoskeletal tissues and improve movement skill competency. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of delivering strength and conditioning as part of the physical education curriculum on athletic motor skill competencies (AMSC), physical performance, and psychosocial factors. Forty-six school children aged 11–14 were included in the study, and sub-divided firstly by sex and then into intervention and control groups. Intervention groups received nine lessons of strength and conditioning based activities over a six-week period, while the control groups continued with traditional physical education curricula. The resistance training skills battery (RTSB) and tuck jump assessment (TJA) assessed AMSC. Standing long jump distance assessed lower limb strength, and online surveys examined motivation, physical self-efficacy and self-esteem. Male and female intervention groups significantly improved RTSB (p > 0.05) whereas no changes were observed in the control groups. No changes were observed in the intervention groups TJA and only trivial and small non-significant changes in standing long jump performance. Significant increases in motivation of the male intervention group occurred. Strength and conditioning integrated in physical education can improve AMSC in short-term interventions.

Performance on sprint, agility and jump tests have moderate to strong correlations in youth football players but performance tests are weakly correlated to neuromuscular control tests

PurposeThis study aimed at evaluating the correlation between seven different performance tests and two neuromuscular control tests in youth football players and to evaluate the influence of sex and age groups on test results.MethodsOne-hundred and fifteen football players (66 boys, 49 girls) mean age 14 ± 0.7 (range 13–16) years from youth teams were tested at the start of the second half of the competitive season. A test battery including agility t-test, 505 agility test, single-leg hop for distance test, side-hop test, countermovement jump test, 10-m sprint test, 20-m sprint test, tuck jump assessment (TJA) and drop vertical jump (DVJ) was completed.ResultsCorrelations between the seven different performance tests of agility, jump and sprint ability were generally moderate to strong (r = 0.534–0.971). DVJ did not correlate with the performance tests (rho = 0.004 to – 0.101) or with TJA total score (rho = 0.127). There were weak to moderate correlations between TJA total score and the performance tests (r = – 0.323–0.523). Boys performed better than girls in all performance tests (p < 0.001) and in TJA total score (p = 0.002). In boys, older players performed better than younger players in the majority of the tests, while there was no clear age influence among girls.ConclusionSprint performance was moderately to strongly correlated with agility and jump performance, and performance tests were weakly to moderately correlated to TJA, while DVJ did not correlate with the other tests. Boys performed better than girls on performance tests and TJA. An age effect on performance was evident in boys but not in girls.Level of evidenceLevel IVTrial registrationClinical Trials gov identifier: NCT03251404

Reliability Estimates Of The Tuck Jump Assessment Following A Standardized Training Session

Reliability Estimates Of The Tuck Jump Assessment Following A Standardized Training Session

USING MOVEMENT SCREENING TESTS AND BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS TO DIFFERENTIATE POST-CONCUSSION PEDIATRIC SOCCER ATHLETES FROM HEALTHY CONTROLS

Background:Recently, 2 controlled prospective studies of collegiate student-athletes identified 1.6 to 2.5 increased risk of subsequent lower extremity injury following concussion (Books et al., 2016; Lynall et al., 2015). The purpose of the study is to determine the potential clinical utility and application of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y Balance Test (YBT), Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA), and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) in a sample of post-concussion soccer athletes and a sample of healthy age and gender matched soccer athlete controls to identify differences. Differentiation was defined as significance in raw score performance on the FMS, YBT, TJA, LESS. Prospective data was collected on lower extremity injury within 6-months post-concussion.Methods:The study participants were administered the FMS, YBT, TJA, and LESS in successive order by a licensed athletic trainer. All measures were administered in a biomechanical lab setting. Post-concussion soccer athletes were administered the FMS, YBT, TJA, and LESS after receiving formal medical clearance from a licensed physician. Post-concussion soccer athletes were matched with healthy soccer athlete controls by age, gender, and years of participation. All study participants were administered screening measures at rest. All demographic and raw data were summarized using descriptive statistics with point estimates and 95% confidence intervals calculated for all end points. Independent sample t-tests were performed at <0.05 to measure significant differences between groups.Results:50 (17 female, 33 male; mean age=14.1; mean years of participation=6.8) post-concussion soccer athletes and 50 (17 female, 33 male; mean age=14.3; mean years of participation=6.7) matched soccer athlete controls were administered the FMS, YBT, TJA, and LESS. Significant differences were observed between the post-concussion and control groups on FMS Deep Squat (t=-9.76, p=<0.001), Inline Lung (t=-8.43, p=<0.001), and LESS total score (t=-9.21, p=<0.001). No other significant differences were observed.Conclusions:The current study identified the FMS, YBT, TJA, and LESS as potential movement screening tests in which differences could be observed in a sample of post-concussion and healthy control soccer athletes. Results from the current study identified specific differences between groups with respect to movement screening test performance on the FMS Deep Squat, Inline Lunge, and LESS total score. Further research is warranted to clearly define the observed differences. Clinicians should consider these findings when providing recommendations and discussing recovery in concussion patients.