The Influence of Anticipation on Landing Error Scoring System Performance

Authors

Luis J. Valadez, California State University, San BernardinoFollow
Dominick J. Cece-Sherley, California State University, San BernardinoFollow
Marisol Valenzuela, California State University, San BernardinoFollow
Monica X. Cortes, California State University, San BernardinoFollow
Warren O. Forbes, California State University, San BernardinoFollow

Abstract

The Landing Error Score System (LESS) is a field assessment tool that can help identify biomechanics during a drop jump task that predispose an athlete to an increased risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury. While the LESS has shown to be valid and reliable, the pre-planned, anticipatory nature of the drop jump task during the LESS is not indicative of the movement strategies present in many sport settings. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of anticipation on landing error scoring system performance. METHODS: Twenty-two individuals participated in this study. Anticipated jumping trials consisted of the participants performing a drop jump task after receiving specific instructions as to the jumping task they would be doing. A total of five anticipated jumping trials were performed. Unanticipated jumping trials consisted of participants performing a series of drop jumps and cutting maneuvers in a randomized order. For the unanticipated trials, participants had to react to a light stimulus that determined the task they would be doing. Unanticipated jumping trials were performed until five successful drop jump trials were completed. All trials began from a 30cm platform into a designated area on the ground. Trials were recorded using iPads from both the sagittal and frontal plane view. Drop jumps from both the anticipated and unanticipated trials were scored using LESS analysis. A paired t-test was used to compare LESS scores between anticipated and unanticipated jumps. RESULTS: Participants had greater LESS scores in the unanticipated jumps (6.27 ± 2.0) compared to the anticipated jumps (4.83 ± 1.8), a statistically significant increase in score of 1.44 (95% CI, -2.3 to -.59), t(21) = -3.52, p = .002, d = 0.75. CONCLUSION: Practitioners should consider incorporating unanticipated drop jumps to their LESS assessment as they may better reflect the demands of sport.

Recommended Citation

Valadez, Luis J.; Cece-Sherley, Dominick J.; Valenzuela, Marisol; Cortes, Monica X.; and Forbes, Warren O. (2024) "The Influence of Anticipation on Landing Error Scoring System Performance," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 4, Article 66.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss4/66