Strength Training for Injury Prevention

Using the Y Balance Test Kit (Functional Movement Systems, Inc., Chatham, Virginia), the athlete stands on one leg, hands on hips, while pushing a wooden block as far forward as possible with the opposite foot. The displacement of the block is recorded. The athlete is allowed 4 practice trials in each of the 3 test directions: anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral. Three test trials are then conducted for each leg in each direction, with short rest breaks between trials. The average reach distance for each leg for each direction will be normalized to leg length and used in analyses. This test has shown moderate to excellent reliability. Lower scores and asymmetries on the Y-balance test have been linked with an increased risk of injury.

Athletes will perform 3 trials of a 20 metre sprint, with their time at 10 m and 20 m recorded. Timing will be done using a photo-electric timing system (SmartSpeed Pro, Fusion Sports, Chicago, USA). Each subject will wear a radio-frequency identification (RFID) bracelet assigned at the Open House sign-in; this device will allow timing for the sprint test. The fastest of the 3 trials will be used in analysis.

Athletes will perform 3 different types of jumps. For each of the jumps the athlete stands on a Smart Jump Mat (SmartJump, Fusion Sports, Chicago, USA), and holds a dowel across the shoulders, behind the head. A static jump requires the athlete to crouch down for a jump, pause at the bottom, and then jump as high as possible. A countermovement jump requires the athletes to crouch down and immediately jump back up for maximum height. Three submaximal practice trials of each jump will be done, followed by 3 test trials. The goal is maximum vertical jump, measured by time in the air. Then a series of elastic jumps, maximizing height but minimizing time on the mat, will be done for 60 seconds. The athletes will have a short, submaximal practice trial first. The jump tests will allow for a description of the athletes' power qualities, which are important for sport performance.

The FMS is a series of 7 tests including deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability tests. The intent of the test is to screen athletes for the ability to complete functional activities that underlie more complex athletic skills. A low score on the FMS has been related to increased injury risk.

Injury rates will be recorded during the study period by asking parents to contact the researcher when an injury occurs. A research assistant will also make bi-weekly phone calls to the parents/athletes in the study to ask about injury occurrence to ensure all injuries are noted. The type of injury (acute or overuse), involved body part, and treatment received will be documented as reported by the parent. No health identification numbers will be collected or healthcare practitioners contacted.