The Effect of Lumbopelvic Control Disorders on Balance and Lower Extremity Function in Professional Athletes with Frequent Landings: A Single-Blind Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Recent studies have shown relationship between lumbopelvic control, function, kinematics, and lower extremity loading. However, poor lumbopelvic control has not been studied as a risk factor for lower extremity injury in sports with frequent jump-landing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lumbopelvic control disorders on balance and lower extremity function in professional athletes with frequent landings. Methods: 34 professional players participated in this assessor-blind case-control study. Lumbopelvic control was assessed with four tests including Knee Lift Abdominal Test, Bent Knee Fall out, Active Straight Leg Raising, and PRONE with Pressure Biofeedback Unit. Based on the results, participants were divided into two groups with lumbopelvic control (n = 17) and without lumbopelvic control (n = 17). Dynamic balance with Y test, semi-dynamic balance with Lafayette Stability Platform, and lower extremity function with single-leg hopping tests (single-hop for distance, triple hop for distance, and 6-meter timed hop test, triple-crossover hop for distance) were evaluated. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups with and without lumbopelvic control in Y balance test scores (P=0.001), single hop for distance (P=0.001), triple hop for distance (P=0.001), 6-meter timed hop (P=0.001), triple hop for distance (P = 0.001), and lower extremity symmetry index (P=0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the semi-dynamic balance (P>0/05). Conclusion: Poor lumbopelvic control affects lower extremity function and dynamic balance of professional athletes with frequent landings, so it can be considered a risk factor for lower extremity injuries.