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Influence of a head-turned position on landing movement patterns: a crossover trial
Kim Hébert-Losier1, Blake Anderson2, Ivana Hanzlíková3
1Te Wānanga Waiora Division of Health, School of Sport & Human Movement, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand. kim.hebert-losier@waikato.ac.nz.
BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Head-turned landings in sports reduce jump height and increase landing errors, but do not significantly alter anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk categorization. Further research is needed to validate this screening method for ACL injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often occur during overhead sports when athletes land with their heads turned.
- Altering sensory input during landing may enhance sport specificity and relevance for ACL injury screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a head-turned position on landing biomechanics and jump height using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS).
- To assess if head-turned landings affect the categorization of injury risk.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five healthy adults performed double-leg jump landings under control and head-turned LESS conditions.
- Landing errors, jump heights, and risk classifications were compared between the two conditions.
Main Results:
- Head-turned landings resulted in significantly lower jump heights and higher LESS scores compared to control.
- Increased instances of lateral trunk flexion and wide stance landings were observed in the head-turned condition.
- No significant difference was found in the odds of being classified at high risk for ACL injury.
Conclusions:
- Performing the LESS with a head-turned position alters landing mechanics by reducing jump height and increasing errors.
- This head-turned condition did not significantly change the overall injury risk classification.
- Future studies should explore the predictive validity of head-turned LESS for ACL injuries and its application in prevention and rehabilitation programs.
