Citation

Baida SR, Gore SJ, Franklyn-Miller AD, Moran KA. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2018; 28(4): 1320-1338.

Affiliation

Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/sms.13036

PMID

29239047

Abstract

Movement variability during repetitive performance of a dynamic activity (e.g. running, jumping, kicking) is considered an integral characteristic of optimal movement execution, however, it's relationship with musculoskeletal injury is not known. The primary aim of this paper was to review published comparison trials to determine if movement variability differs between uninjured controls and subjects with a lower limb musculoskeletal injury. A systematic search of online databases; Medline, Sports Discus, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted from July to November 2016. Studies were selected if they: (1) included participants with a lower limb injury, (2) compared injured participants to uninjured controls, (3) examined movement variability for at least one dependent variable, and (4) provided a statistical between-group comparison when comparing measures of movement variability. Studies were excluded if they: (1) investigated neurological disorders, (2) examined musculoskeletal injury in the upper extremity or spine, and (3) used non-linear measures to examine variability (i.e. complexity). A significant difference between injured and uninjured populations was reported in 73% of the included studies and of these, 64% reported greater movement variability in the injured group. This is the first systematic review with a best-evidence synthesis investigating the association between movement variability and musculoskeletal injury.

FINDINGS suggest that movement variability in those with a musculoskeletal injury differs from uninjured individuals. Interestingly, there was an overall trend towards greater movement variability being associated with the injured groups; although it should be noted that this trend was not consistent across all sub-categories (e.g. injury type). For a clearer insight into the clinical application of variability greater methodological homogeneity is required and prospective research is recommended. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Control; Coordination; Injury; biomechanics