Verification of effectiveness for prevention program of anterior cruciate ligament injury using the Tuck Jump Assessment and a tri-axial accelerometer

Abstract

We aimed to compare the modified Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA) and a tri-axial accelerometer for evaluation of the efficacy of a prevention program for anterior cruciate ligament injury. Twenty-two female high school basketball players participated and were divided into two groups: an intervention group (n=10) and control group (n=12). The intervention group underwent an injury prevention program for 17 weeks, whereas the control group maintained a regular training routine. Each participant conducted a tuck jump test in 10 seconds while wearing a tri-axial accelerometer on their upper back. The TJA score and vertical trunk acceleration during tuck jump landing were analyzed before and after the training period. The total TJA score did not change significantly in both the intervention and control groups. Vertical trunk acceleration decreased in the intervention group (pre-test: 8.2±1.6 G, post-test: 6.7±1.0 G, p<0.001), whereas it did not change in the control group (pre-test: 7.6±2.0 G, post-test: 7.5±1.7 G, p=0.842). This short-term longitudinal study suggests that injury prevention training for junior basketball players may change their landing mechanics during a tuck jump test. Furthermore, combining TJA and a wearable sensor such as an accelerometer device may be useful to evaluate training efficacy more objectively.