Browsing by Author "Kovac, Dimitrije"

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    The effect of a six-week functional movement intervention on dynamic knee stability and physical performance in female netball players
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Kovac, Dimitrije; Venter, Ranel; Krkeljas, Zarko; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Netball is a physically demanding game with high incidence of non-contact ACL injuries, especially among female players. Non-contact ACL injuries in female netball have a multifactorial etiology that requires adequate screening. Fortunately, certain ACL injury risk factors, related to altered biomechanics, can be modified by neuromuscular training. To reduce the incidence of ACL injuries in female netball players, it is crucial to recognize biomechanical risk factors as early as possible. Knee valgus during landing was found to be one of the most common risk factors for the injury of the ACL among female athletes. FMS® is a testing battery designed to assess quality of movement within fundamental movement patterns and to identify possible injury risk factors related to movement deficiencies. FMS® is also designed to improve dysfunctional movement patterns and potentially reduce the risk of sport related injuries. The current study was conducted with the aim to investigate the effect of a six-week functional movement intervention on dynamic knee stability and physical performance in female netball players. The relationship between FMS® and dynamic knee stability tests, as well as performance tests, was also investigated in a group of university female netballers. A total of 31 university female netball players volunteered for participation in the study. The study followed a convenience sampling design. A six-week intervention programme based on the FMS® results was implemented . The primary finding in the current study was improvement in total FMS® score after the six-week standardized intervention programme (p<0.001). Significant differences in active straight leg raise (ASLR) (p=0.01) and trunk stability push up (TSPU) (p=0.02) score were found between pre- and post-intervention, while all other FMS® tests did not significantly improve. The results demonstrated a moderate significant correlation of FMS® total score with the single leg hop, as well as the 5-0-5 agility test when performed with the dominant leg. The results also showed a positive correlation between the hurdle step total score and single leg hop and hold test performed with the dominant leg before (p=0.35, p=0.05) and after the intervention (p=0.39, p=0.04). There were no other significant correlations between total and individual FMS® scores and dynamic knee stability and performance tests. According to the results from in this study, FMS® performance can be improved by a standardized corrective exercise programme. Furthermore, a six week FMS® intervention does have positive effects on certain performance abilities, but does not have a significant effect on dynamic knee stability in female netball players.