Predictors of lower extremity injuries in team sports (PROFITS-study): a study protocol

Abstract

IntroductionSeveral intrinsic risk factors for lower extremity injuries have been proposed, including lack of proper knee and body control during landings and cutting manoeuvres, low muscular strength, reduced balance and increased ligament laxity, but there are still many unanswered questions. The overall aim of this research project is to investigate anatomical, biomechanical, neuromuscular, genetic and demographic risk factors for traumatic non-contact lower extremity injuries in young team sport athletes. Furthermore, the research project aims to develop clinically oriented screening tools for predicting future injury risk.MethodsYoung female and male players (n=508) from nine basketball teams, nine floorball teams, three ice hockey teams, and one volleyball team accepted the invitation to participate in this four-and-half-year prospective follow-up study. The players entered the study either in 2011, 2012 or 2013, and gave blood samples, performed physical tests and completed the baseline questionnaires. Following the start of screening tests, the players will be followed for sports injuries through December 2015. The primary outcome is a traumatic non-contact lower extremity injury. The secondary outcomes are other sports-related injuries. Injury risk is examined on the basis of anatomical, biomechanical, neuromuscular, genetic and other baseline factors. Univariate and multivariate regression models will be used to investigate association between investigated parameters and injury risk.

Altered hip control during a standing knee‐lift test is associated with increased risk of knee injuries

“…We invited male and female players from the two highest junior league levels to participate in a baseline screening tests as a part of a prospective cohort study investigating risk factors for sports injuries. Screening tests took place in April 2013 and included a set of physical tests that are described in detail elsewhere . Players who were junior‐aged (≤21 years), official members of the participating teams, and had no current acute injury affecting the baseline test participation were eligible for participation.…”

Investigation of knee control as a lower extremity injury risk factor: A prospective study in youth football

“…An alteration to the previous protocol was made by cutting out the warm‐up. The warm‐up was not considered necessary as in the present study, the SLS test was not followed by the vertical drop jump test, as had been the case in previous studies . First, square pieces of sports tape were attached to the left and right anterior superior iliac spine and tuberositas tibiae.…”

“…The warm-up was not considered necessary as in the present study, the SLS test was not followed by the vertical drop jump test, as had been the case in previous studies. 20,31 First, square pieces of sports tape were attached to the left and right anterior superior iliac spine and tuberositas tibiae. Secondly, to standardize the knee flexion, the player performed a two-leg squat to 90° knee flexion, measured with a plastic goniometer (Baseline, USA).…”

Incidence and risk factors for back pain in young floorball and basketball players: A Prospective study

“…This study is part of the large PROFITS‐study (Predictors of Lower Extremity Injuries in Team Sports) carried out in Finland between 2011 and 2015. More detailed information on the PROFITS‐ study is described elsewhere . Briefly, from the Tampere City district in Finland, 10 basketball and 10 floorball teams were invited from six sports clubs.…”

“…The tests included anthropometric measurements; hamstring, quadriceps, and iliopsoas extensibility; generalized joint laxity (Beighton‐Horan index); isometric hip abduction strength; and a one repetition maximum (1RM) of the leg press. The tests are described in detail in Data and in the study protocol . All AE (games and training) was collected for each player by the coaches.…”