ACL Injury Prediction in Footballers Using Landing Error Scoring System (LESS)

Abstract

Background: The use of clinical field assessment tools is popular in sports rehabilitation settings. The purpose of these tools is not only prediction of injury but also to assist in development of injury prevention programs. Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a clinical tool that evaluates biomechanical performance during a jump-landing task with particular focus on aspects related to an increased risk for ACL injury. Objective: Of this study was to find the most common faulty biomechanics in football players. Method: This is an evaluation-based study which predicts the risk of ACL injuries in 30 football players based on their jump landing mechanics. This evaluation was carried out with the help of software Kinovea that helps in analysis of joint kinematics. The data captured with the help of off-the-shelf cameras in frontal and sagittal planes and analysed. The frequency of common errors was identified. Result: It was found out that 20% of the players had poor landing mechanics having maximum errors, 20% had moderate errors, while 13% had good score and 47% had excellent landing mechanics. The most common error was knee valgus at initial contact, stance width wider and knee valgus displacement. Conclusion: LESS is beneficial in identification of faulty biomechanics. LESS when used along with Kinovea helps analyse common jump landing errors. Knee valgus along with internal rotation of tibia was found to be the common error which predisposes footballers to ACL injury.