Single leg landing kinematics in volleyball athletes: A comparison between athletes with and without active extension low back pain

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics of the lower extremity and lumbar spine during a single leg landing task between female volleyball athletes with and without persistent low back pain (LBP). Methods In this cross sectional study, 36 volunteer female volleyball athletes with (n = 18) and without (n = 18) LBP were recruited. Two specifically trained physical therapists selected only athletes with a specific movement-based subgroup of LBP for inclusion. Three dimensional kinematic and ground reaction force data were recorded for each athlete across three single leg landing trials by utilizing a Vicon 6-camera motion capture system and one in-floor embedded Kistler force plate, respectively. Independent t-tests compared data between the two groups. Results Lumbar lordosis when standing (p = 0.046) as well as on initial contact (p = 0.025) and at the time which the maximal vertical ground reaction force occurred (p = 0.020) were significantly greater in the LBP group. There were no other significant differences. Conclusions The tendency for this specific subgroup of athletes to consistently adopt more extended lumbar postures in both static and dynamic tasks may be worth considering by those involved in coaching, performance optimizing and injury prevention.