Kinematic chain-related risk factors in the development of lower extremity injuries in women: A prospective study

The link between dynamic range of motion (dROM) parameters within the kinematic chain and the development of lower extremity (LE) injury has gained attention; however, very few longitudinal studies have been conducted. Therefore, we wanted to prospectively determine dROM-related risk factors for the development of LE injury. Within this study, 90 female physical education students aged 19.33±0.87 years were tested. Full-body kinematic and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) parameters were measured during a triple hop jump (THJ). Cox regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for the development of LE injury. The injury follow-up was assessed using a weekly online questionnaire and a tri-monthly retrospective control questionnaire. Lower extremity injury was diagnosed by an experienced medical doctor. During the follow-up, 39 percent of the participants were diagnosed with a LE injury. Decreased dROM of the pelvic segment (P=.043) and increased dROM of the knee and ankle joint (P=.041 and P=.028, respectively) in the sagittal plane during landing phase were identified as predictive parameters for the development of LE injury in women. No VGRF parameters were identified as predictive variables. It can be concluded that an altered dROM within the LE kinematic chain was observed within the group at risk for LE injury. More specifically, this group showed reduced proximal dROM that was coupled with increased dROM in the distal segments during a THJ. The THJ can be seen as a practical screening tool for LE injury.