Special Issue "Advances in Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Lower Extremity Injury Risk"

A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2023) | Viewed by 3869

Special Issue Editor

Department of Sport Science, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
Interests: sports medicine; strength training; hamstring injury; ACL injury

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lower extremity biomechanics and injury risk in athletes have been an important topic of research in sports science for many years. Recent advances in technology have allowed for a more detailed understanding of lower extremity movement patterns during sports activities, which has led to a better understanding of injury mechanisms and the development of injury prevention strategies.

One of the most important advances in this field has been the use of motion capture systems to analyze lower extremity biomechanics during dynamic movements such as running, jumping, and cutting. These systems allow researchers to collect detailed information on joint angles, forces, and movements, which can be used to identify movement patterns that are associated with increased injury risk.

Overall, the range of motion capture systems available for lower extremity biomechanics research is quite diverse, with options ranging from simple mobile phone 2D scans, which are easy to perform in any setting, to sophisticated and expensive multi-camera setups for laboratory settings. The choice of system will depend on a variety of factors, including the research question, available resources, and the level of detail and accuracy required for the analysis.

Strength training research focused on lower extremity biomechanics during, for example, the deadlift, barbell squat and the Nordic hamstring exercise has also contributed to our understanding of injury risk and injury prevention in athletes. These exercises are commonly used in strength and conditioning programs to improve lower extremity strength and power and can be an effective way to reduce injury risk when performed correctly.

Despite these advances, however, there are still gaps in our knowledge on how to effectively prevent lower extremity injuries in athletes.

Therefore, in this Special Issue, we welcome papers ranging from studies on practical applications to advanced biomechanical analyses that may lead to a better understanding of injury mechanisms and the development of injury prevention strategies.

Dr. Jesper Augustsson
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sports is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • lower extremity biomechanics
  • injury risk
  • motion capture
  • strength training
  • neuromuscular training
  • injury prevention

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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Article
Development of a Cutting Technique Modification Training Program and Evaluation of its Effects on Movement Quality and Cutting Performance in Male Adolescent American Football Players
Sports 2023, 11(9), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11090184 - 17 Sep 2023
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Abstract
This study developed a cutting technique modification training program and investigated its effects on cutting performance and movement quality in adolescent American football players. For six weeks, an intervention group (IG) of 11 players participated in 25 min cutting technique modification training sessions [...] Read more.
This study developed a cutting technique modification training program and investigated its effects on cutting performance and movement quality in adolescent American football players. For six weeks, an intervention group (IG) of 11 players participated in 25 min cutting technique modification training sessions integrated into team training twice a week, while a control group (CG) of 11 players continued their usual team training. Movement quality was assessed by evaluating 2D high-speed videos, obtained during preplanned 45° and 90° cutting tests, using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) qualitative screening tool. Cutting performance was assessed based on change of direction deficit (CODD). Significant interaction effects of time × group were found for CMAS in 45° and 90° cuttings (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.76, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.64, respectively), with large improvements in the IG (p < 0.001, g = −2.16, p < 0.001, g = −1.78, respectively) and deteriorations in the CG for 45° cuttings (p = 0.002, g = 1.15). However, no statistically significant differences in CODD were observed pre-to-post intervention. The cutting technique modification training was effective at improving movement quality without impairing cutting performance, and it can be used by practitioners working with adolescent athletes. Full article
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Article
Cryo plus Ultrasound Therapy, a Novel Rehabilitative Approach for Football Players with Acute Lateral Ankle Injury Sprain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Sports 2023, 11(9), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11090180 - 09 Sep 2023
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Abstract
Background: Acute lateral ankle sprains are common injuries among athletes, but the optimal treatment strategies in elite athletes are still debated. This proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the impact of cryo-ultrasound therapy on the short-term recovery of football players with acute lateral ankle [...] Read more.
Background: Acute lateral ankle sprains are common injuries among athletes, but the optimal treatment strategies in elite athletes are still debated. This proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the impact of cryo-ultrasound therapy on the short-term recovery of football players with acute lateral ankle sprains. Methods: Semi-professional football players with grade I or II lateral ankle sprains were randomly assigned to the experimental group (receiving cryo-ultrasound therapy combined with conventional physical therapy) or control group (sham cryo-ultrasound therapy combined with conventional physical therapy). Pain intensity and physical functioning were assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) at baseline (T0) at the end of treatment (T1), after one month (T2), and two months after treatment (T3). Results: After the study intervention, significant between groups differences were reported in terms of pain relief (NRS: 4.08 ± 1.29 vs. 5.87 ± 1.19; p = 0.003) and physical function (FADI: 50.9 ± 10.3 vs. 38.3 ± 11.5; p = 0.021). However, no significant between group differences were reported at T2 and T3. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Cryo-ultrasound therapy combined with conventional physical therapy can accelerate recovery and early return to sport in elite football players with acute lateral ankle sprains. While this study contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of cryo-ultrasound therapy, further investigations with a longer follow-up are needed to validate and optimize the application of physical agent modalities in the management of ankle injuries. Full article
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Article
Speed Matters in Nordic Hamstring Exercise: Higher Peak Knee Flexor Force during Fast Stretch-Shortening Variant Compared to Standard Slow Eccentric Execution in Elite Athletes
Sports 2023, 11(7), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11070130 - 07 Jul 2023
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Abstract
Hamstring strain injuries are prevalent in many sports. Research has demonstrated that the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE), a knee-dominant exercise addressing the posterior chain muscles, can aid in reducing the risk of hamstring injuries in athletes. However, most research on hamstring injury prevention [...] Read more.
Hamstring strain injuries are prevalent in many sports. Research has demonstrated that the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE), a knee-dominant exercise addressing the posterior chain muscles, can aid in reducing the risk of hamstring injuries in athletes. However, most research on hamstring injury prevention has focused on performing the eccentric version of the NHE (NHEECC). In contrast, in sports, it is quite frequent for athletes to use an eccentric–concentric version of the NHE. Additionally, eccentric NHE is typically performed using a slow, controlled tempo. The effect of a fast stretch-shortening cycle NHE (NHESSC) compared to standard slow NHEECC on peak knee flexor force has not been investigated. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate fast NHESSC vs. standard slow NHEECC. Our hypothesis posited that peak knee flexor force would be greater for fast NHESSC compared with standard slow NHEECC. The study involved 22 elite athletes (actively competing in both national and international events) consisting of female (n = 10) and male (n = 7) track and field athletes and male football players (n = 5), aged 17–31 years. The participants performed maximum trials of slow NHEECC and fast NHESSC repetitions in which measurement of bilateral peak knee flexor force was conducted at the ankle with the use of a load cell. During the NHEs, a linear encoder was used to measure both the position where the peak knee flexor force was recorded and the average eccentric velocity. SSC contributed to an enhanced NHE performance, where bilateral absolute peak knee flexor force was 13% higher for fast NHESSC vs. standard slow NHEECC (822 vs. 726 N, p < 0.01, ES = 0.54). Participants achieved a 32% greater forward distance at the breakpoint stage during NHEECC compared to the coupling phase for NHESSC (54 vs. 41 cm, p < 0.001, ES = 1.37). Eccentric average velocity was more than three times higher for NHESSC compared with NHEECC (0.38 vs. 0.12 m/s, p < 0.001, ES = 3.25). The key findings of this study were that SSC contributed to an enhanced NHE performance, where absolute peak knee flexor force was 13% greater for fast NHESSC compared to standard slow NHEECC. The fast NHESSC could therefore be an interesting alternative to the standard slow NHEECC execution, as it may offer potential advantages for sprint performance, as well as hamstring injury prevention and rehabilitation. Full article
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Review

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Review
Predicting Risk Factors of Lower Extremity Injuries in Elite Women’s Football: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Sports 2023, 11(9), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11090187 - 20 Sep 2023
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Abstract
This study identified and analyzed the risk factors of lower extremity injuries (LEI) in elite women football players to improve career and health outcomes. To address this aim, a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology was used. In total, four relevant research articles were [...] Read more.
This study identified and analyzed the risk factors of lower extremity injuries (LEI) in elite women football players to improve career and health outcomes. To address this aim, a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology was used. In total, four relevant research articles were identified through database searching and screening using the PRISMA flow diagram. From these articles, eight predictors were identified that influence the risk of LEI among elite women football players: higher body mass index (OR 1.51, 95% CI); previous knee injury (OR 3.57, 95% CI); low normalized knee separation (≤10th percentile) (RR 1.92, 95% CI); all previous injury (previous ACL tear: OR 5.24, 95% CI; ankle sprain: 1.39, 95% CI; knee sprain: 1.50, 95% CI); and previous injury in the lower body (OR 2.97, 95% CI). Meanwhile, lower knee valgus angle in a drop-jump landing (OR 0.64, 95% CI) was found to decrease the risk of LEI among elite women football players. Full article
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