The Effect of Landing Error Scoring System Performance on Femoral Articular Cartilage Deformation in Recreationally Active Females
Author
Szwejbka, Lily
Abstract
The Landing Error Scoring System [LESS] is a valid and reliable standardized tool used to assess biomechanical movements during jumping and landing activities thought to be high-risk for sustaining anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] injuries. A poor LESS score suggests a high risk for ACL injuries. The effect of LESS scores on femoral articular cartilage [FCT] deformation is not clear. The purpose was to investigate the effect of poor landing performance, as defined by the LESS, on FCT deformation in healthy, recreationally active females.
The study consisted of 11 recreationally active female subjects aged 18 to 25 years old with no history of diagnosed knee or lower extremity injury or surgery. After obtaining informed consent from the subject, ultrasound images were taken of the FCT. Using video cameras placed in the sagittal and frontal plane, 2 sets of 10 drop jumps from a height of 30 cm were recorded and analyzed. Ultrasound images were taken again amid the two bouts of drop jumps, and again at the end. Using Kinovea software, the 17 biomechanical components of landing in the LESS were assessed, and observed errors were recorded. A high LESS score indicated a high number of landing errors, which implied poor overall landing technique. 5 subjects obtained a score of 4 errors and 6 subjects obtained a score of 5 errors according to the LESS. There were no differences in cartilage deformation when comparing subjects who landed with a LESS score of a 5 versus those who scored a 4 (P > 0.05). The observed statistical power was 0.658.
Due to insufficient statistical power, further studies should examine if poor landing technique affects articular cartilage deformation after drop-jumping activities. Thus, the ultimate goal is to determine if landing technique increases risk of articular cartilage injury and joint conditions. The focal point of future research projects could be the long-term effects of regular exercise with poor impact technique on FCT deformation by continuing to study the participants and finding predictive patterns in development of osteoarthritis, ACL injuries, and other lower extremity conditions.
Date
2023-05-05
Citation:
APA:
Szwejbka, Lily.
(May 2023).
The Effect of Landing Error Scoring System Performance on Femoral Articular Cartilage Deformation in Recreationally Active Females
(Honors Thesis, East Carolina University). Retrieved from the Scholarship.
(http://hdl.handle.net/10342/12999.)
MLA:
Szwejbka, Lily.
The Effect of Landing Error Scoring System Performance on Femoral Articular Cartilage Deformation in Recreationally Active Females.
Honors Thesis. East Carolina University,
May 2023. The Scholarship.
http://hdl.handle.net/10342/12999.
June 30, 2024.
Chicago:
Szwejbka, Lily,
“The Effect of Landing Error Scoring System Performance on Femoral Articular Cartilage Deformation in Recreationally Active Females”
(Honors Thesis., East Carolina University,
May 2023).
AMA:
Szwejbka, Lily.
The Effect of Landing Error Scoring System Performance on Femoral Articular Cartilage Deformation in Recreationally Active Females
[Honors Thesis]. Greenville, NC: East Carolina University;
May 2023.
Collections
Publisher
East Carolina University