Deficits in trunk control predict ACL injuries which frequently occur during high risk activities such as cutting. However, no existing trunk control/core stability programme has been found to positively affect trunk kinematics during cutting activities. This study investigated the effectiveness of a 6-week dynamic core stability programme (DCS) on the biomechanics of anticipated and unanticipated side and crossover cutting manoeuvres. Thirty-one male, varsity footballers participated in this randomised controlled trial. Three-dimensional trunk and lower limb biomechanics were captured in a motion analysis laboratory during the weight acceptance phase of anticipated and unanticipated side and crossover cutting manoeuvres at baseline and 6-week follow-up. The DCS group performed a DCS programme three times weekly for 6 weeks in a university rehabilitation room. Both the DCS and control groups concurrently completed their regular practice and match play. Statistical parametric mapping and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to determine any group (DCS vs control) by time (pre vs post) interactions. The DCS resulted in greater internal hip extensor (p=0.017, 2=0.079), smaller internal knee valgus (p=0.026, 2=0.076) and smaller internal knee external rotator moments (p=0.041, 2=0.066) during anticipated side cutting compared with the control group. It also led to reduced posterior ground reaction forces for all cutting activities (p=0.015-0.030, 2=0.074 - 0.105). A 6-week DCS programme did not affect trunk kinematics but it did reduce a small number of biomechanical risk factors for ACL injury, predominantly during anticipated side cutting. A DCS programme could play a role in multimodal ACL injury prevention programmes.
© Copyright 2018 Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. Wiley. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.