The Effects of a Commercially Available Warm-Up Program on Landing Mechanics in Female Youth Soccer Players

Sara L. Grandstrand, Boise State University
Ronald P. Pfeiffer, Boise State University
Michelle B. Sabick, Boise State University
Mark DeBeliso, Boise State University
Kevin G. Shea, Intermountain Orthopaedics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine lower extremity kinematics following implementation of the Sportsmetrics Warm-Up for Injury Prevention and Performance (WIPP) training program. The hypothesis was that there would be no difference in landing mechanics between 2 groups of female youth soccer players (9-11 years of age), with 1 group (Treatment) completing the 8-week-duration (2 days per week) WIPP program and the other serving as a Control group. We recruited 21 female youth soccer players. Treatment (n = 12) and Control (n = 9) groups were established. Using the Sportsmetrics Software for Analysis of Jumping Mechanics, we analyzed lower extremity movement during landing after subjects jumped off a 30.5-cm box and immediately went into a vertical jump. No significant changes in knee separation values were observed in the Treatment group after 8 weeks of WIPP training. The results indicate that 8 weeks of WIPP training did not significantly alter landing strategies.