Retention of movement pattern changes after a lower extremity injury prevention program is affected by program...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Immediate improvements in movement patterns are common after lower extremity injury prevention programs.
• Long-term maintenance of these movement changes after training cessation is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the duration of an injury prevention program influences the maintenance of movement pattern changes.
• To test the hypothesis that a 9-month program, compared to a 3-month program, would lead to sustained movement improvements.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving 140 youth soccer athletes assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS).
• Participants were divided into 3-month and 9-month injury prevention program groups.
• Movement patterns were evaluated at pretest, posttest, and 3 months after program completion.

Main Results:

• Both 3-month and 9-month programs improved LESS scores immediately post-training.
• Only the 9-month (extended-duration) group maintained their improved movement patterns at the 3-month retention test.
• This difference in retention was statistically significant (F(2,137) = 3.38; P = .04).

Conclusions:

• Training program duration is a critical factor for achieving long-term changes in movement control.
• Extended-duration injury prevention programs (e.g., 9 months) are more effective for lasting benefits in athletes.