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Motor Performance as Risk Factor for Lower Extremity Injuries in Children
Lisbeth Runge Larsen1, Peter Lund Kristensen, Tina Junge
11University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Regional Health Services Research, Odense, DENMARK; 2Research and Development, Center for Human Movement and Learning, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, DENMARK; 3University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, DENMARK; 4Department of Physiotherapy, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, DENMARK; 5Health Sciences Research Centre, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, DENMARK; 6Bergen University College, Institute of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Radiography, Department of Health Sciences, Bergen, NORWAY; 7Sports Medicine Clinic, Orthopaedic Dep. Hospital of Lillebaelt, Vejle, DENMARK; 8Department of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, AUSTRALIA.
Poor balance increases traumatic injury risk in children, while good motor skills in some areas also elevate risk. Further research is needed to understand these complex relationships and prevent childhood injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric sports medicine
- Biomechanics
- Public health
Background:
- Physical activity-related injuries in children are a significant public health concern.
- The relationship between motor performance and lower extremity injury risk in children is not well understood.
- This study investigates motor performance as a potential risk factor for traumatic and overuse injuries in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between motor performance and the risk of traumatic lower extremity injuries in children.
- To investigate the association between motor performance and the risk of overuse lower extremity injuries in children.
- To identify specific motor performance deficits or enhancements linked to different injury types and locations.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1244 children aged 8-14 years participated in the study.
- Motor performance was assessed using tests for static balance, single leg hop, core stability, vertical jump, shuttle run, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Lower extremity injuries were monitored over 15 months, diagnosed by clinicians, and classified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision.
Main Results:
- Poor balance was linked to an increased risk of traumatic foot injuries (IRR 1.09-1.15) and overuse foot injuries (IRR 1.65).
- Good performance in single leg hop protected against traumatic knee injuries (IRR 0.66-0.68).
- Good performance in core stability and vertical jump increased the risk for traumatic foot injuries (IRR 1.12-1.16), while good core stability and shuttle run performance increased the risk for knee injuries (IRR 1.07-1.18).
Conclusions:
- Poor balance is a consistent predictor of traumatic injuries, particularly ankle injuries.
- Certain aspects of good motor performance (core stability, vertical jump, shuttle run) were paradoxically associated with increased injury risk.
- Previous injury history confounded the results, highlighting the need for further research into injury mechanisms and behavioral factors.
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