2017 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #2414

 

How Do Joint Flexibility and Sports Injuries Undergo a Transition during 2 Years in Adolescent?

Masaru Kadowaki, MD, Izumo, Shimane JAPAN
Nobuyuki Kumahashi, MD, PhD, Izumo, Shimane JAPAN
Soichiro Yamamoto, MD, PhD, Izumo, Shimane JAPAN
Yuji Uchio, MD, PhD, Izumo, Shimane JAPAN

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, JAPAN

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary

This prospective observational study included 100 adolescent in order to investigate how joint flexibility and prevalence rate of sports injuries change in growth period, then we concluded adolescent in growth period exhibited a reduction in joint flexibility over time and this reduction may be followed by a rise in prevalence rates of sports injuries.

Abstract

Background

High prevalence rate of sports injury in growth period has been reported. Sports injuries can be attributed to various factors, such as joint stiffness. The aim of the present study was to identify changes in joint flexibility and prevalence of sports injuries during 2 years in junior high school students.

Materials & Methods
100 (49 males and 51 females) first grade junior high school students, who belonged to an athletic club, were recruited for this prospective observational study. The subjects participated in various sports, including tennis (29 students), baseball (19), volleyball (18), table tennis (15), basketball (7), Judo (5), Swimming (4). First we use an interview sheet to select who has possibility to get sports injury. Then orthopedic surgeons examined and diagnosed sorted subjects to determine the prevalence rate of sports injuries once a year for 3 years. To evaluate joint stiffness, physical therapists measured the following joints’ range of motions: straight leg rising angle (SLR), hip internal rotation angle (HIR), hip external rotation angle (HER), heel-buttock distance (HBD), ankle dorsiflexion angle with knee flexion (DKF), and ankle dorsiflexion angle with knee extension (DKE).

Results

Prevalence rates of sports injuries increased by 13%, 15%, and 16% in the first, second, and third year, respectively. Knee injury accounted for 54%, 60%, and 44% of all injuries, whereas spine, upper extremity, and foot and ankle injuries accounted for 15–25% of injuries. Joints’ ranges of motion were as follows: SLR: 72°, 71°, and 70°; HIR: 57°, 48°, and 50°; HER: 65°, 59°, and 60°; HBD: 0.8, 1.4, and 2.0 cm; DKF: 25°, 20°, and 18°; and DKE: 14°, 9°, and 10° in the first, second, and third year, respectively. Joint flexibility decreased in the second year and did not change in the third year. Comparison between male and female students revealed that male students had lower joint flexibility than females. Specifically, SLR: 70°, 69°, and 68°; HIR: 53°, 42°, and 45°; HER: 65°, 60°, and 60°; HBD: 1.3, 2.2, and 3.0 cm; DKF: 24°, 18°, and 17°; DKE: 14°, 9°, and 10° in males in the first, second, and third year, respectively, while SLR: 75°, 72°, and 72°; HIR: 62°, 53°, and 55°; HER: 65°, 59°, and 60°; HBD: 0.4, 0.6, and 1.4 cm; DKF: 26°, 21°, and 19°; and DKE: 14°, 10°, and 11° in females in the first, second, and third year, respectively. Male students had less joint flexibility than female students.

Discussion

Reduced joint flexibility in the first year may be the result of an increased amount of exercise and growth spurt at puberty. As this could be a risk factor for sports injuries, adequate body conditioning, including improved joint flexibility, is important to prevent sports injuries in junior high school students.

Conclusion

Adolescent in growth period exhibited a reduction in joint flexibility over time, and this reduction may be followed by a rise in prevalence rates of sports injuries.