The Relationship Between Knee Injury Risk Factors and Performance Variables in Drop Jump Landing Mechanics
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Health and Human Performance
Date of Award
Summer 8-18-2025
Abstract
Most knee injuries occur in non-contact situations, when performing motions that involve change of direction and landing (Leppänen et al., 2016). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between risk factors for knee injury variables (KRF) and performance variables during a drop jump(DVJ) in NCAA Division I collegiate athletes. KRF include dynamic knee valgus (DKV), greater ground reaction force, knee flexion angle, and gender. Numata et al. (2018) reported injured athletes had a greater DKV when compared to uninjured athletes. Leppänen et al. (2016) reported a more extended knee position when landing during a jump was associated with greater ground reaction force, increasing risk of injury. Arundale et al. (2018) and Hewett et al., (2005) reported that females are more likely to suffer knee injuries than males. Division I NCAA Collegiate athletes: football, soccer, golf, basketball, softball, track and field, and volleyball (22.5 + 9 years), performed a drop jump from a 30-cm platform. Drop jump variables were assessed using DARI marker-less motion capture system, measuring jump height percentage of lower body, net impulse, ground reaction force, and knee torque. KRF were eccentric/concentric DKV angle max, landing ground reaction force, knee eccentric flexion, and gender. Pearson r correlation and partial correlation ranged from no significant correlations, weak correlations, moderate correlations to strong correlations. Right eccentric knee flexion and ground reaction force max had a moderate negative correlation (r = -0.316, p < 0.01) and the partial correlation (r = -0.400, p < 0.001). Strong correlations were observed in the Pearson r correlation and the partial correlation between the following variables: ground reaction force landing left and right with ground reaction force max, eccentric knee flexion with knee flexion at peak torque for both left and right. The total variance explained has three components that make up 75.537% of the dataset. Majority of the findings in the current study consist of non-significant to weak significant correlations, and while there are strong correlations observed, the variables that have the high correlation may be almost the same variable. Ultimately, the DVJ test may not be a good assessment when monitoring for KRF.
Advisor
Michael Oldham
Subject Categories
Kinesiology | Life Sciences
Recommended Citation
Martinez, Cheyenne, "The Relationship Between Knee Injury Risk Factors and Performance Variables in Drop Jump Landing Mechanics" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1307.
https://lair.etamu.edu/etd/1307
