The effect of fatigue on phase specific countermovement jump asymmetries in ACL‐R and non‐injured rugby union players. Issue 6 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lonergan, Ben; Senington, Billy; Patterson, Stephen D.; Price, Phil
• Is Part Of: Translational sports medicine. Volume 1:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 238
• Page End: 249
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: imbalances -- jump performance -- neuromuscular fatigue -- rugby union -- symmetry; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.48
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2573-8488

Abstract

Abstract : Return to play (RTP) criteria and analysis of neuromuscular asymmetries should be evaluated and monitored to prevent high re‐rupture rates in individuals that have undergone ACL reconstruction (ACL‐R). This study investigated asymmetries between two groups of male rugby players (ACL‐R and non‐injured) in bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) performance pre and post‐match play. Three countermovement jumps (CMJs) were performed pre, post 30 min and 48 h post game play. Force plates assessed vertical ground reaction forces and kinetic CMJ metrics, whilst sagittal lower limb kinematics were recorded. Global position systems were used to measure match‐running variables to quantify workload. No significant difference existed in CMJ phase specific asymmetries between groups with no time and jump interaction ( P > 0.05). Significant time effect changes occurred in ankle, knee, and hip flexion angles, highlighting an altered movement strategy. A significant difference ( P = 0.004) in total distance covered was observed between the population groups (non‐injured 6260.1 ± 524.2 m and ACL‐R 4919.6 ± 771.7 m). No significant group differences existed between athletes that have previously undergone ACL‐R and non‐injured individuals for neuromuscular asymmetry values. This highlights the importance of individualized testing and tailored RTP criteria due to different positional and physiological demands.