Training interventions to reduce the risk of injury to the lower extremity joints during landing movements in adult athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bathe, Chantal; Fennen, Lena; Hering, Theresa; Greif, Alexander; Dubbeldam, Rosemary

Review article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

Objective Aim of this systematic review was to summarise training interventions designed to reduce biomechanical risk factors associated with increased risk of lower extremity landing injuries and to evaluate their practical implications in amateur sports. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources MEDLINE, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria Training intervention(s) aimed at reducing biomechanical risk factors and/or injury rates included the following: (1) prospective or (non-)randomised controlled study design; (2) risk factors that were measured with valid two-dimensional or three-dimensional motion analysis systems or Landing Error Scoring System during jump landings. In addition, meta-analyses were performed, and the risk of bias was assessed. Results Thirty-one studies met all inclusion criteria, capturing 11 different training interventions (eg, feedback and plyometrics) and 974 participants. A significantly medium effect of technique training (both instruction and feedback) and dynamic strengthening (ie, plyometrics with/ without strengthening) on knee flexion angle (g=0.77; 95% CI 0.33 to 1.21) was shown. Only one-third of the studies had training interventions that required minimal training setup and additional coaching educations.Conclusion This systematic review highlights that amateur coaches can decrease relevant biomechanical risk factors by means of minimal training setup, for example, instructing to focus on a soft landing, even within only one training session of simple technique training. The meta-analysis emphasises implementing technique training as stand-alone or combined with dynamic strengthening into amateur sport training routine.

Details about the publication

JournalBMJ open sport & exercise medicine (BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med)
Volume9
Page range1-14
StatusPublished
Release year2023 (26/04/2023)
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
DOI10.1136/ bmjsem-2022-001508
KeywordsJump landing injuries; Training interventions; biomechanical risk factors;

Authors from the University of Münster

Dubbeldam, Rosemary
Professorship for Motion Science (Prof. Wagner)
Fennen, Lena Ingrid Gertraud
Professorship for Motion Science (Prof. Wagner)
Greif, Alexander
Professorship for Physical Education and Teaching Research (Prof. Neuber)