Clinical Measures Associated with Previous History of Lower Leg Overuse Injury in Collegiate Athletes

Presenter: Julia Arena

Faculty Sponsor: Karen A. Keenan

School: Fitchburg State University

Research Area: Sports and Exercise Science + Physiology

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A37

ABSTRACT

Lower leg overuse injuries (LOI, e.g., stress reactions, tendinopathy) are common in running-based athletes. Since many LOI have similar mechanisms of injury, it is plausible that neuromuscular deficits (e.g., strength, flexibility, postural control) may be common risk factors and persist, increasing risk of recurrent injury. PURPOSE: To determine if there are differences in dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM), hip external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) ROM, hip abduction strength (ABD), and postural control between collegiate student-athletes with and without a previous history of LOI. METHODS: A total of 33 NCAA Division III varsity student-athletes will be recruited for this study and stratified by injury history (LOI vs. CON). Testing will occur in a single session, consisting of 3 trials (averaged) performed bilaterally. A weight-bearing lunge test (digital inclinometer) will be used to measure DF ROM. Hip active IR/ER ROM (digital inclinometer) will be measured prone. Hip ABD strength (handheld dynamometer) will be measured side-lying. Postural control will be assessed during a single-leg squat test, and knee valgus, pelvic drop, and trunk lean on the 3rd repetition will be measured in the CoachNow app. SPSS software will be used to compare groups using an independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and a Bonferroni correction will be applied (statistical significance: p<0.05, a priori). RESULTS: Data collection/analyses are ongoing and will conclude early April. CLINICAL IMPACT: The findings of this study may improve clinical treatment and training programs for collegiate student-athletes with LOI.

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