Estimating Knee Joint Reaction Force Using Five Basic Motor Tests

Evaluation of functional movements is a motor assessment method for identifying risk factors and detecting injuries. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the factors that are more critical in estimating knee joint reaction force.

The study sample consisted of 40 boys aged 18-25 years who were selected according to the percentage rank of functional movement screening test. Their age, height and weight were 21.88±2.94 years, 179.57±7.71 cm and 72.67±11.85 kg, respectively. Landing in the laboratory was recorded using a motion capture system for subject and scored based on the landing error scoring system. Then the knee joint reaction force was calculated using OpenSim software. Subjects’ scores were also recorded on the single leg squat, Y Balance and Landing Error Scoring System- Real Time tests. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors that have the most decisive role in estimating knee joint reaction force.

The results showed that landing error scoring system significantly (ADJR2 = 0.91, p≤0.000) predicts knee joint reaction force.

jumping technique is the most important indicator for the knee joint reaction force in the studied age group. Therefore, the score of LESS test or in fact the jumping technique can be used to estimate the knee reaction force and thus predict the landing injury.