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SINGLE-LEG SQUAT TEST: A SCREENING TOOL FOR INJURY RISK ASSESSMENT IN FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

Abstract

L. Kenyon1, V. Ugalde2, A. Traut2, C. Pollard3

1Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest, Lebanon, OR,2The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care & Research, Bend, OR, & 3Oregon State University Cascades, Bend, OR

Lower extremity injuries are a common in high school athletes. Valid tests to assess for risk of injury that are easily performed during a pre-participation sports physical examination are lacking. PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) of a “positive” (abnormal posture) single leg squat (SLS) test in predicting lower extremity injuries in high school athletes. METHODS: Sixty-seven female soccer players from three different high schools in Bend, OR took part in this cross-sectional study. Participants performed 3 repetitions of a SLS test bilaterally during their pre-participation sports physical examination from 2013-2014. Individuals were partitioned into “positive” or “negative” groups based on the inability or ability (respectively) to perform >1/3 SLS tests on either side. Injuries received during sports in the following academic year were documented. Injuries were further divided into lower extremity (LE) and Non-LE injuries. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were calculated for SLS test in relation to LE injuries and any injury type. RESULTS: Forty-six of the 67 athletes (69%) had a positive SLS test result, whereas 21 (31%) had a negative SLS test result. There were 4 lower extremity injuries recorded during the 2013-2015 academic years within the study population, 2 occurring to participants with a positive SLS test result. There were 4 additional injuries, including 1 elbow injury, 1 wrist injury, and 2 concussions. The sensitivity of the SLS test in predicting LE injuries in the following academic year was 50%, specificity was 30%, and NPV was 90%. Sensitivity, specificity, and NPV of SLS test in predicting any injury was 75%, 32%, and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed the SLS test is an easy tool to use in pre-participation sports physical examinations to help assess for risk of lower extremity injury. Further research is needed to explore its utility in context of a larger sample size, other sports and athlete demographics.

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