Quality of functional movements and sports injury incidence in high level female basketball players

Abstract

Introduction. Basketball is one of the most popular sports, and it is also one of the highest contributors to sport and recreation - related injuries [5]. Many studies suggest that the injury rate for female athletes is higher compared to men [1]. There is a general tendency that the majority of injuries affect the lower limbs [2]. In our study we decided to analyse and pay attention to women athletes which may suffer from injury of lower extremity. Research aim. To assess quality of functional movements and sports injury incidence in high level female basketball players. Research methods and organization. There were 498 testing sessions done on 165 Lithuanian Women’s Basketball League players during 2013-2016 game seasons. The data from 67 players was analyzed, of which 17 players have later sustained lower limb sports injuries. All players completed prie-participation health questionnaire. Where was asked about their fatique, injuries and illnesses. All participants performed the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) tests. The FMS is a comprehensive screen to assess the quality of fundamental movement patterns for presumably identifying an individual’s physical limitations or asymmetries [2]. Also players had to do the modified star excursion test (YBT LQ) which was used to assess player‘s dynamic balance [4]. LESS (Landing Error Scoring System) was implemented to evaluate whole body and lower limb biomechanical changes during jumps [3]. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 22 Software . The degree of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Differences were assessed using Mann-Whitney test. The results are presented in means ± standard deviation. [...].