Exploring the Relationship between Aerobic Fitness, Functional Movement, Patient Reported Outcomes, and Injury in Women's Lacrosse

Author

Marybeth E. BindelFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2018

Document Type

Thesis Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

Committee Chairperson

Nicole Cattano, Ph.D., LAT, ATC

Committee Member

Scott Heinerichs, Ed.D., LAT, ATC

Committee Member

Katherine Morrison, Ph.D., LAT, ATC

Abstract

Context: Previous studies have looked at the impact of functional movement score (FMS) and aerobic fitness (VO₂max), and injury. Few studies have included patient reported outcomes (PRO) as a means of assessing overall well-being over the course of a competitive athletic season. Objective: To assess PRO’s over a competitive season among aerobic fitness, injury and FMS groups. Secondarily, to examine if there was a relationship between FMS scores and VO₂max. Design: Prospective Cohort Study. Setting: Division II University. Participants: Twenty-four healthy NCAA Division II women’s lacrosse athletes. Interventions: Participants completed the FMS and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 fitness test prior to the start of preseason and completed a daily readiness questionnaire via email. Results were analyzed using Independent t-tests, Repeated Measures ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlations. A priori statistical significance was set at P≤0.05. Results: Average VO₂max was 41.52±1.51ml/kg/min. All individuals who sustained injuries had higher VO₂max scores than those who did not sustain an injury. Those in the Good VO₂max group reported better PRO over time for fatigue and general muscle soreness than the Fair VO₂max group. A strong positive correlation was found between injury and aerobic fitness. There was no difference between the injured and non-injured groups for FMS composite scores. Conclusions: Those with higher aerobic fitness were found to sustain more injuries however reported better PRO’s throughout the season. There was no difference in FMS scores among any group indicating aerobic fitness testing could be a more useful assessment in addressing injury risk. Word Count: 246 Key Words: VO₂max, readiness questionnaire, injury, FMS.

Recommended Citation

Bindel, Marybeth E., "Exploring the Relationship between Aerobic Fitness, Functional Movement, Patient Reported Outcomes, and Injury in Women's Lacrosse" (2018). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 28.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/28