Use of Four Predictive Screening Variables for Determination of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Adolescent Soccer Athletes

Abstract

Context: Chronic onset of sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is increasing in adolescent athletic populations including soccer. However, there is currently no pre-season screening tool for SIJD in this population. There are variables that are currently associated with SIJD, however, it is unknown if these variables developed into a screening tool can accurately predict the risk of sustaining SIJD. Objective: The purpose of this study was to create an effective screening tool for SIJD in adolescent soccer athletes and establish predictive values for SIJD injury risk. Design: A retrospective exploratory study to screen for risk factors contributing to SIJD in the adolescent soccer athletes. Setting: The testing took place in an athletic training facility at a mid-Atlantic high school. Only one clinician administered the testing procedures. Patients or other participants: This study included members of the varsity and junior varsity boys' (n = 6, 16.33±1.37 yrs, 176.50±6.98 cm, 72.12±9.92 kg) and girls' (n = 14, 16.00±1.11 yrs, 165.93±6.39 cm, 61.11±6.92 kg) soccer teams from one high school in north central West Virginia. All participants were members of these teams with a sports physical on file. Inclusion criteria included those subjects who are healthy, have no disorders affecting ability to perform any of the tests included in this study, no history of acute injury to the lower extremity or back in the past six months, and no history of surgeries to the core or back within the past year. Exclusion criteria included subjects who have a history of surgery to the core or back within the past year, and those who have a disorder affecting ability to perform any of the tests included in this study. Interventions: Each participant performed during one testing session the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), including all 7 functional movements and the 3 clearing tests, active knee extension test, Palpation Meter (PALM) measurement for pelvic angle, and goniometry assessment of active hip range of motion (flexion/extension/abduction/adduction /internal rotation/external rotation). Main outcome measures: The dependent variables that were measured are the final composite score of the FMS, angle measurement in degrees from the active knee extension test, pelvic tilt angle in degrees from the PALM, and angle measurement in degrees for active hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Results: A significant correlation with large strength (PCC = 0.545, p = .013) was found between SIJ injury and active hip abduction. A significant correlation with large strength (PCC = 0.732, p <.01) was found between the PALM and active hip extension. A significant correlation with medium strength (PCC = 0.473, p = .035) was found between the AKET and active hip flexion. One model in the binary logistic regression created a best fit with an odds ratio of 1.115 (CI95 = 1.003, 1.239, p = .044) with the variables of SIJ injury and active hip abduction. Two nonsignificant models with moderate odds rati...