Core Stability Measures as a Risk Factor for the Development of Lower Extremity Injuries in Physical Education Students

Core Stability Measures as a Risk Factor for the Development of Lower Extremity Injuries in Physical Education Students

Male and female physical education students were subjected to a clinical test battery comprised of valid and reliable tests to measure different aspects of core stability at the start of the study. After a period of 2 months testing, the injury registration procedure started with the use of an online injury registration platform and regular call back moments. After 2 years of injury registration, all data was gathered and will be analysed statistically to link the measured core stability aspects as risk factors for certain lower extremity injuries.

September 2014 - December 2014: 139 male and female participants 18+ were subjected to different test to evaluate corresponding aspects of core stability. The following test were performed: Star excursion balance test; Lumbopelvic proprioception test; Lumbopelvic neuromuscular control test; Lateral step down test; Hip strength test measured with a handheld dynamometer(flexion/extension/abduction/adduction/internal rotation/external rotation); Trunk strength tests measured with a handheld dynamometer (trunk flexion and trunk extension) and core muscle endurance tests (prone bridging test/Biering-Sorenson test/side bridging tests). January 2015 - April 2017: Prospective follow up of lower extremity injury contracted during sports activity. The injuries were confirmed by a medical examiner and were recorded in an online injury registry platform (Survey Monkey). Statistical analysis will be performed to evaluate which core stability outcome measure can be considered a risk factor for the development of lower extremity injuries.

Abdominal muscles, Back muscles, Core stability, Field test, Muscle strength dynamometer, Lower extremity injury, Risk assessment, Prospective studies

1 group of participants was screened at the start of the study and followed prospectively for 2 years

Isometric strength of hip flexor, hip extensor, hip abductor, hip adductor and hip rotator muscles measured in Newton

Propriocention and neuromuscular control of the lumbopelvic muscles using a qualitative assessment sheet

Inclusion Criteria: - 1st year of physical education study (enrolled at the Artevelde graduate school or the Ghent graduate school Exclusion Criteria: Musculoskeletal injury at the time of study participation Pre-existing lower back injury Pre-existing lower extremity injury (less than 6 months prior to study participation)

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