Methods For Prediction Of Core Or Lower Extremity Injury Among High School Football Players As A Strategy For Longitudinal Reduction Of Injury Risk

Poor neuromechanical control and rapid fatigue of the core muscles are associated with elevated risk for core or lower extremity (CLE) injury. The purpose of this study was to identify preparticipation screening measures associated with both previous and subsequent CLE injuries among high school football players. Self-reported CLE injury history, core muscle endurance, and postural balance were strongly associated with CLE injury. Our findings demonstrated that the same risk categorization cut-points predicted both injury within the previous 12 months and subsequent season injury. Preseason screening results can be used to estimate CLE injury susceptibility among high school football players.