Reliability of a field-based drop vertical jump screening test for ACL injury risk assessment

Abstract

This study supports the use of a simple, field-based observational drop vertical jump screening test to identify athletes at risk for ACL injury. Our study shows good inter- and intra-rater reliability and high sensitivity and suggests that screening can be performed without significant training by physicians as well as allied health professionals, including: coaches, athletic trainers and physical therapists. Identification of these high-risk athletes may play a role in enrollment in appropriate preventative neuromuscular training programs, which have been shown to decrease the incidence of ACL injuries in this population.

Fatigue Increases Dynamic Knee Valgus in Youth Athletes: Results From a Field-Based Drop-Jump Test

“…The field drop-jump test was performed in a similar manner to the previously validated study by Redler et al 12 A digital video recording device was positioned on a stand that was 40 inches in height and 12 feet away from the drop-jump box. The drop-jump box comprised a square platform 15 inches in width and 12 inches tall.…”

“…The setup was consistent with previous studies. 12,19,20 Athlete fatigue was determined objectively by percent reduction in maximum vertical jump. To measure maximum vertical jump, athletes were instructed to jump with maximum effort and tag a sticker to a tape-measure placed on a wall.…”

“…White circular marker/stickers were placed on the participant's anterior superior iliac spine, patella, tibial tubercle, and the center of the ankle. 12,21 Athletes then completed 3 drop-jumps, which were video recorded. For the drop-jump, athletes were instructed to stand with their feet shoulder width apart, drop off of the box onto a marker 12 inches in front of the box, land on their feet facing forward, and immediately perform a maximum vertical jump.…”

“…Historically, the drop-jump test required the use of sophisticated computerized motion-analysis systems with marker technology to determine precise knee valgus angles. However, in 2016, Redler et al 12 validated a field-based drop-jump test as a reliable and reproducible method to identify an individual with poor lower limb neuromuscular control. The authors found that lower-limb neuromuscular control using a field-based drop-jump could be adequately assessed by physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and coaches without significant training in motion-capture technology.…”

“…The sensitivity of the field-based drop-jump for determining medium-or high-risk athletes was found to be 95%. 12 Appendix 1 outlines the previous study's findings.…”