Effects of a warm-up program on jump-landing pattern and lumbopelvic function in female basketball players with...

Dynamic knee valgus (DKV), commonly observed during functional movements, is recognized as a key biomechanical factor contributing to the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Given its importance in injury prevention, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a warm-up program on jump-landing pattern and lumbopelvic function in female basketball players exhibiting dynamic knee valgus. The present study employed a quasi-experimental design. Thirty female basketball players with DKV were screened using the single-leg landing (SLL) test and subsequently randomized into control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups. The jump-landing test was utilized to assess the jump-landing pattern, whereas the forward step-down (FSD) test was implemented to evaluate lumbopelvic function. The experimental group participated in the STOP-X warm-up program over 8 weeks, whereas the control group continued with their traditional warm-up routine. Data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26. The results revealed significant differences in maximum flexion (F = 20.73; P = 0.001; effect size (ES) = 0.42, percentage change (PC) = ↑4.48%), initial valgus (F = 90.12; P = 0.001; ES = 0.76, PC = ↓32.56%), maximum valgus (F = 151.6; P = 0.001; ES = 0.84, PC = ↓52.86%), and FSD (F = 22.82; P = 0.001; ES = 0.44, PC = ↓51.45%) in the experimental group compared to the control group after following the STOP-X warm-up program. However, no significant impact was observed for the initial flexion (P = 0.49, ES = 0.01) variable. Implementing the warm-up injury prevention program significantly improves jump-landing pattern and optimizes lumbopelvic function. Therefore, it is recommended that coaches incorporate this program in place of traditional basketball warm-up routines. Such an approach may enhance athletic performance while reducing the risk of knee injuries associated with improper landing techniques.Trial registration No: IRCT20231230060574N1, (date of registration on 04/01/2024) registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.