Kinematic differences during a jump cut maneuver between individuals with and without a concussion history

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that athletes are at a higher risk of lower-body injuries in the months and years following a concussion. However, little is known about how people modify their movements post-concussion. This study examined kinematics during a jump cut motion in young adults with a concussion history (n=9; 4 males, 5 females; 3.1years' post-injury) and 10 controls (6 males, 4 females). Peak center of mass and peak knee angles during the landing phase of a jump-cut maneuver were evaluated. Participants with a concussion history demonstrated decreased knee varus (left: M_conc=-0.5±1.0°, M_ctrl=3.6±1.0°; right: M_conc=5.1±1.2°, M_ctrl=7.8±1.12°) and external rotation (left: M_conc=2.5±1.6°, M_ctrl=13.0±1.5°; right: M_conc=7.7±1.6°, M_ctrl=12.8±1.5°) regardless of whether the cut was oriented towards to the left or right. The kinematic patterns demonstrated in individuals with a concussion history may be suggestive of increased knee injury risk. This study adds to the growing body of literature linking orthopedic injury in those no longer displaying the acute signs and symptoms of concussion.

Keywords: ACL; Anterior cruciate ligament; Concussion; Jump cut; Kinematics.