Landing Error Scoring System: Data from Youth Volleyball Players

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a validated tool for assessing Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury risk.
• Limited data exists on LESS performance in youth volleyball players, hindering comprehensive injury risk screening in this population.
• Volleyball involves repetitive jumping, increasing the potential for knee injuries from suboptimal landing mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the applicability of the LESS tool in a youth volleyball cohort.
• To identify potential biomechanical risk factors for lower body injuries in young volleyball players.
• To establish baseline LESS data for this specific athletic group.

Main Methods:

• 233 youth volleyball players performed three jump-landing trials.
• Video analysis of 1398 jump landings was conducted in sagittal and frontal planes.
• Jump landings were evaluated using a 17-item LESS checklist by physical therapists and a sports scientist.
• Data were categorized into excellent, good, moderate, and poor LESS score ranges.
• Descriptive analysis, including gender-based subdivision, was performed.

Main Results:

• The study collected and analyzed LESS data from a significant cohort of youth volleyball players.
• Performance metrics were categorized to differentiate landing quality.
• Gender-specific landing biomechanics were examined.
• The data provides a foundation for understanding injury risk in this population.

Conclusions:

• The LESS tool is applicable for screening youth volleyball players for landing-related injury risks.
• Findings can inform targeted interventions to improve landing biomechanics and reduce injury incidence.
• This study establishes crucial baseline data for future research and injury prevention strategies in youth volleyball.