Assessment of trunk lateral flexion range of movement using a novel method in first class cricket players.

OBJECTIVES Lateral flexion range of movement (LF ROM) is used to assess and monitor recovery of side strain injury in athletes. This study established a reliable and pragmatic measure of LF ROM and investigated the stability of the measure over time in athletes. DESIGN 1) Cross-sectional reliability study and 2) Cohort longitudinal study. SETTING Elite cricket teams in COUNTRY-AAA and COUNTRY-BBB Participants: Cricket players Methods: 1) The intra- and inter-rater reliability of two methods of measuring LF ROM were assessed (distance to the floor or distance to fibular head). Ten healthy first-class cricket bowlers were tested by three experienced physiotherapists. Intra-class correlations (2,1) were calculated for absolute agreement for all 3 testers. 2) Professional cricket fast bowlers were recruited from COUNTRY-AAA and COUNTRY-BBB domestic and international competitions. Lateral flexion range of movement was measured monthly during the pre- and competitive season. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to identify difference within the pre-season, within the competitive season, and between competitive seasons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Lateral flexion range of movement towards and away from the bowling arm. RESULTS Both methods had good intra- and inter-test reliability (ICC>0.84). As LF ROM to the floor was easier for clinicians it was used for the longitudinal study. Lateral flexion range of movement did not significantly alter throughout the pre- and competitive season or between seasons (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS This new method of describing LF ROM demonstrates good intra- and inter-rater reliability and stability over time and can be used as an outcome measure in side-strain injury.