Movement Technique During Jump-Landing Differs Between Sex Among Athletic Playing Surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Athletic surface type is a potential factor influencing lower extremity injury risk.
• Understanding movement technique during jump-landing is crucial for identifying injury risk.
• The effect of different athletic surfaces on jump-landing biomechanics requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of four common athletic surfaces on jump-landing movement technique.
• To assess sex-based differences in movement technique across these athletic surfaces.
• To determine if the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is generalizable across surfaces and sexes.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-eight recreationally active men and women performed jump-landing tests.
• Testing occurred on four different athletic surfaces: hardwood, artificial pellet turf, grass, and concrete.
• Movement technique was assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS).

Main Results:

• Men demonstrated higher LESS scores (indicating poorer technique) on hardwood and artificial pellet turf compared to women.
• Women showed lower LESS scores on grass and artificial turf compared to concrete.
• Jump height, fatigue, and soreness were consistent across testing sessions.

Conclusions:

• Athletic playing surface significantly influences lower extremity movement technique and associated injury risk.
• Sex-based differences in jump-landing technique exist and vary depending on the playing surface.
• The generalizability of the LESS construct is challenged, emphasizing the need to consider surface type and sex in movement assessments and injury prevention.