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Influence of Holding a Lacrosse Stick on Jump Landing Mechanics

2018; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 50; Issue: 5S Linguagem: Inglês

10.1249/01.mss.0000538261.69428.55

1530-0315

Kylie Calandra, Matthew F. Moran,

Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

Female athletes are at an increased risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries by noncontact mechanisms. Close to 60% of all severe injuries sustained during a game are lower extremity strains and knee internal derangements, frequently involving the ACL. No research has been done to investigate the alteration of movement patterns as a result of holding a lacrosse stick. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a biomechanical movement screen able to detect and quantify these abnormal movement patterns. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of holding a lacrosse stick on jump landing mechanics in female collegiate players during a standardized biomechanical screen (LESS). METHODS: The LESS was used on 20 collegiate women’s lacrosse players (19.7±1.4 yo, 60.8±5.6 kg, 1.66±0.06 m) to examine jump landing mechanics with a lacrosse stick (WS) versus without (WO). Participants jumped forward off a 30-cm box to a spot on the floor 50% of their body height, and performed a maximal vertical jump upon landing. Hi-speed video (240Hz) was recorded in the sagittal and frontal planes. Sixteen biomechanical criteria were measured using video analysis software, and averaged across three trials for each stick condition. The independent variable (holding a lacrosse stick) was counterbalanced, and dependent t-tests were used to compare between LESS scores. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between poor landing mechanics and holding a lacrosse stick reflected in the LESS scores (WS=4.46±0.69, WO=3.16±0.79, p<0.05). At initial contact, knee flexion (WS=27.1°±3.7°, WO=30.7°±3.9°, p<.0.01), hip flexion (WS=28.8°±3.2°, WO=31.7°±3.1°, p<0.01), and trunk flexion (WS=14.1° ±5.7°, WO=17.9 °±5.5°, p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Holding a lacrosse stick significantly changed participant’s initial landing position with knees being closer together and an overall more extended posture. Sport dependent variation in arm positioning influences lower extremity movement patterns, demonstrated by the LESS scores. Coaches should consider implementing sport specific upper extremity constraint during ACL prevention programs to increase potential transfer to sport-specific movements.