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Characterizing Longitudinal Alterations in Postural Control Following Lower Limb Injury in Professional Rugby Union
Molly F McCarthy-Ryan1, Stephen D Mellalieu1, Holly Jones1
1Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|June 12, 2024
Summary
Postural control in rugby players improved during lower limb injury rehabilitation, but did not fully return to baseline levels. Significant variations were observed throughout all phases of recovery.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Postural control is crucial for athletes' daily activities and sports performance.
- Lower limb injuries significantly impact an athlete's ability to maintain balance and stability.
- Assessing postural control is vital for effective rehabilitation strategies in sports medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally track postural control in professional rugby union players during lower limb injury rehabilitation.
- To analyze changes in static and dynamic postural control across acute, middle, and late rehabilitation phases.
- To identify the extent of postural control recovery and any persistent alterations.
Main Methods:
- Seven male professional rugby union players with lower limb injuries were monitored.
- Static postural control was measured using sway path (meters).
- Dynamic postural control was assessed using the vertical postural stability index.
Main Results:
- Improvements in postural control were noted across rehabilitation phases.
- Eyes-open sway path showed smaller magnitudes.
- The vertical postural stability index decreased in middle and late phases but remained higher than baseline.
- Significant inter- and intra-individual variations in postural control were observed.
Conclusions:
- Postural control demonstrates improvement during lower limb injury rehabilitation in rugby players.
- Full return to baseline postural control was not achieved in all players.
- Altered postural control kinetics persisted throughout the rehabilitation process, highlighting the need for comprehensive recovery monitoring.
