Landing Kinematics in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players of Different Chronologic Age and Stage of Maturation

Read, Paul J, Oliver, Jon L, De Ste Croix, Mark B ORCID: 0000-0001-9911-4355, Myer, Gregory D and Lloyd, Rhodri S (2018) Landing Kinematics in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players of Different Chronologic Age and Stage of Maturation. Journal of Athletic Training, 53 (4). pp. 372-378. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-493-16

Preview

Text (peer reviewed version) EFFECTS OF CHRONOLOGICAL AGE AND STAGE OF MATURATION.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (419kB) | Preview

Abstract

Context: Despite the high frequency of knee injuries, there is a paucity of research to show the effects of chronological age and stage of maturation on knee joint kinematics in male youth soccer players. Objective: To employ a ‘coach friendly’ screening tool to examine knee valgus scores for players of different ages and stage of maturation. Design: Cross sectional study Setting: Academy soccer clubs Patients or other participants: 400 elite male youth soccer players aged between 10-18 years, categorized by chronological age and stage of maturation (pre, circa or post puberty) based on their years from peak height velocity (PHV). Main outcome measures: Knee valgus was evaluated during the tuck jump assessment via two-dimensional analysis. Participants were subjectively classified as minor (<10°), moderate (10-20°), or severe (>20°) and using these classifications, scored as follows: 0 = no valgus; 1 = minor; 2 = moderate; 3 = severe. Results: A trend of higher valgus scores were shown in the younger age groups and pre-PHV players. The lowest frequency of “no valgus” were in the U18s and post-PHV players. The highest percentage of “severe” scores were in the U13s. Knee valgus scores were significantly lower in the U18s on both legs than all other age groups (p < 0.001), except for the U16s. Post-PHV players’ scores were significantly lower than pre-PHV youth on the right leg (p <0.001), and both pre- and circa-PHV players on the left leg (p <0.001). Noteworthy inter-limb asymmetries were evident in the U14s, U15s and circa-PHV players. Conclusions: Reductions in knee valgus with incremental age and during the later stages of maturation indicate that this risk factor is more prevalent in younger players. Inter-limb asymmetry may also emerge around the time of the peak growth spurt and early adolescence, potentially increasing the risk of traumatic injury.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Peer reviewed manuscript has the working title, published title is 'Landing Kinematics in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players of Different Chronologic Age and Stage of Maturation'
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Valgus; Injury risk; Asymmetry
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports > GV861 Ball games: Baseball, football, golf, etc. R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Alan Sparkes
Date Deposited:	14 Aug 2017 13:34
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 09:08
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/4861

University Staff: Request a correction | Repository Editors: Update this record