Functional performance deficits in athletes with previous lower extremity injury.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of previously treated, though clinically resolved, lower extremity injury on performance in a timed 20-meter shuttle run.


METHODS
Case control study.


METHODS
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college during the 2000/2001 preparticipation physicals.


METHODS
NCAA Division I athletes (n = 213) participated in this research study. Athletes were excluded if they presently had an unresolved lower extremity injury or low back pain.


METHODS
Time to complete a 20-meter shuttle run was recorded. Previous lower extremity injury and college year were recorded via a short questionnaire.


RESULTS
A significantly slower response time on the 20-meter shuttle run was observed in freshman athletes with a history of a lower extremity injury, as compared with freshmen without a previous injury (p = 0.01). No significant difference was noted in non-freshman collegiate athletes regardless of injury history (p = 0.98).


CONCLUSIONS
Kinetic chain deficits may exist long after symptomatic recovery from injury resulting in functional deficits, which may be missed on a standard physical assessment. The slower shuttle run times observed in freshmen with previous lower extremity injury may be a manifestation of insufficient treatment received at the high school level or the benefit of a mandatory core strengthening program in returning athletes. Further study is necessary to identify and validate the cause-and-effect relationship.


CONCLUSIONS
This study may support residual functional deficits in incoming college athletes, which may be related to inadequate care in the high school setting.
Nadler
Scott F
SF
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103, USA. Sfnadler@cs.com
Malanga
Gerard A
GA
Feinberg
Joseph H
JH
Rubanni
Mariam
M
Moley
Peter
P
Foye
Patrick
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries*; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires