Proprioception, Motor Control and Injury Risk on Female Wrestlers

The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is an observational assessment tool used to evaluate lower extremity biomechanics during a jump-landing task. Participants perform a standardized jump from a platform and land while their movements are recorded and analyzed based on specific criteria. Higher LESS scores indicate a greater number of movement errors and an increased risk of lower extremity injury, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. A commonly used cut-off score is ≥5, indicating a higher risk of lower extremity injury, particularly ACL injury.

With their eyes closed, the participant is seated with their knee passively brought to a 45° flexion, held for 5 seconds, and then returned to the starting position. The participant is then asked to actively reproduce the same angle. Three repetitions are performed for each leg, and the average absolute angular error (degrees) is calculated. Measurement will be done using a goniometer. There is no universally established cut-off value; higher repositioning error values indicate impaired proprioception.

This innovative method will assess force perception and motor sensitivity. A barometric cuff (e.g., DHD-3®, Biometrics Ltd.) is placed at the tibial plateau, and the participant is asked to compress the cuff during knee extension until a target pressure value is reached. They are then asked to repeat the same movement with their eyes closed. The difference in approach to the target pressure (absolute error, mmHg) is analyzed as the average of 3 repetitions. There is no standardized cut-off value; greater deviation from the target pressure reflects reduced force sense accuracy

The Single Leg Hop Test Battery is a functional performance assessment used to evaluate lower extremity strength, power, and dynamic stability. It typically includes a series of hop tests such as the single hop for distance, triple hop for distance, crossover hop, and timed hop performed on one leg. Performance is quantified based on distance or time, and results are often expressed as a limb symmetry index to assess side-to-side differences. A limb symmetry index (LSI) of <90% is generally considered indicative of functional asymmetry and increased injury risk.

The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess functional status in individuals with lower extremity conditions. It consists of 20 items evaluating difficulty in performing daily activities, each scored on a 5-point scale. Higher total scores indicate better functional ability and lower levels of disability. A cut-off score of <60 points is often interpreted as the presence of significant functional limitation in the lower extremities.