Ana Engelsman

IM-1/1st/12h

Compiled Annotations

Key Terms/Themes: Patellar Instability; lateral instability; medial patellar instability

Alfonso, Vicente Sanchis, MD, PhD. "How to Deal With Chronic Patellar
Instability: What does the Literature Tell Us?" Sports Health, vol. 8, no.
1, Jan.-Feb. 2016.

In this clinical review the research found that chronic patellar instability is multifactorial and
in result, treatment should be personalized to the patient. Because patellar instabilities are a
common problem, it is critical that there is a clear understanding of its nature. However, due to a
multitude of causes, it hard to identify an appropriate surgical treatment. The conclusion given
from this article states that because of this dilemma, a customized treatment plan must be put in
place for each patient with chronic patellar instability. Although this source did not specify its
study to dancers, it did help with this researchers understanding on the topic of knee instability.
The conclusion of the study explained why knee displacement is so hard to treat. It is because
knees are like thumbprints, not one is alike. Treatment must be personalized to the patient. This
can help in research of knee displacement and its lead to injuries but some parts of the article
may be irrelevant. The source can be found as scholarly as its author has a doctorate and was
published in a medical journal.

Key Terms/ Themes: Dance, overuse, traumatic

Allen, Nick, PT, MSc, et al. "Ballet Injuries: Injury Incidence and Severity
Over 1 Year." Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, vol. 42, no.
9, Sept. 2016.

The objective of this article was to assess the incidence and severity of injuries to a
professional ballet company over 1 year. The study used 52 professional dancers and collected
data regarding time-loss injury. The result of this study shaped by the recordation of 355 injuries.
It was found that on average, every 1000 hours of dancing produced 4.4 injuries. This research
study implicated that there is a desperate need to introduce interventions to reduce the risk of
injury considering the impact of injury in dance. After reading this study, it is shown that it may
not be very useful. It is well known that a better awareness of injuries will decrease the
occurrence of them. Thus, this study creates no major new findings. However, the study did
bring to the table a new statistic that has yet to be found elsewhere. The data average of 4.4
injuries per 1000 hours of dancing may allow a comparison between similar studies. In other
words, this is scholarly for it was published in 2016 and is in a highly recognized medicine
journal as well as written by five licensed medical workers.

Key Terms/Themes: Injury, United Kingdom, Dancers, and Soft tissues

Bowling, Ann, PHD. "Injuries to Dancers: Prevalence, Treatment, and Perceptions

Of Causes." British Medicine Journal, vol. 298, 18 Mar. 1989.

Written by Ann Bowling, this article reviews the prevalence, causes, and treatments of injuries
in dancers. Utilizing 141 dancers from seven professional ballet and modern companies found in
the United Kingdom, the study took answers from questionnaires to piece together their findings.
The questionnaires revealed that a high proportion of injuries were to soft tissues, which for
some reason, were not responding to treatments. This study also found that dancing on sprung
floors and warmer studios with choreographers that took awareness to the dancers limitations as
well as the need for rest and injury treatment were some of the best preventative measures for
injury. Overall, this source was not very helpful to me. It brought attention to the more specific
majorities of injuries in dancers, but it failed to enlighten on a new and exciting topics. This is
most likely due to its publication date from 1989. Regardless of its lack of new material, this
article is scholarly for its publication in a medical journal and its licensed author.

Caine, Dennis, et al. "A Survey of Injuries Affecting Pre-Professional Ballet

Dancers." Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, vol. 20, no. 3, 2016.

When training as a pre-professional dancer there are many health benefits. But with increased
benefits comes with an increased risk of injury. This article surveyed the injuries affecting these
young vulnerable pre-professional ballet dancers. 71 participants were used over a dance season
of 8.5 months. Surrey sessions and questionnaires were conducted to collect the appropriate
amount of data needed to form the findings. The findings showed that age, technique level, and
prior injury were the most revealing indicator of future injuries. The biggest indicator of injury
however was the rate of growth in the dancer. Still-maturing growth plates and the growth
process itself allows the dancer to be particularly vulnerable to injury. Although this article
primarily compared itself to previous and similar articles, it did successfully prove itself to be
useful. This article was useful because of its reminder that young dancers are more prone to
injury due to a still-maturing body. The survey however did have two errors. First, there was no
uniform definition of injury. Secondly, the study provided limited and inconsistent exposure
information. Regardless of its errors, this survey remains to be useful to the dance science
community and brings to mind other factors that are not normally thought of.

Chang, Michael, et al. "An Exploration of the Perception of Dance and Its
Relation to Biomechanics Motion." Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, vol.
20, no. 3, 2016.

The motive of this article was to examine research that investigates relations between
perception measure and biomechanical variable in dance, with the aim of determining
identifiable patterns in those relations. This was done by reviewing criteria regarding this topic or
related topics. The findings showed a few things. First, there were no uniform trends found
across the seven studies viewed. Second, studies noted a significant relationship between
amplitude, speed, and variability of movement and perceptual appraisal measures (beauty and
dance quality). Overall, there was a significant relationship between perceptual and
biomechanical variables. This study did not match with the research being conducted by myself
but it was very interesting to read. This topic is one of the many not touched upon and made
some very fascinating points. In addition, very few articles create such an extensive conclusion
based merely off of annotating other articles. However, this article did show a lack of clear trends
and the presence of the task was dependent on the nature of perceptual ratings of dance actions.
Despite its errors, this article is in fact scholarly as it was written by numerous doctors and
official publication of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science.

Claiborne, Tina L., et al. "Relationship between Hip and Knee Strength and Knee Valgus during
A Single Leg Squat." Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Mar. 2006.

Written in the Journal of Applied Biomechanics this article focuses on the relationship
between hip and knee strength, and valgus knee motion during a single leg squat. The study
utilized thirty adults and evaluated frontal plane knee motion using 3D motion analysis.
Participants performed a one legged squat to approximately 60 degrees of knee flexion while
wearing stickers placed on certain anatomical body parts. This was to clearly identify the muscle
groups being analyzed. The results of this experiment showed that hip abduction and knee
extension were significant predictors of frontal knee motion. In other words, hip muscle strength
played a major role in correct knee motion. Being that this source successfully made its goal, to
find a relationship between hip and knee strength and knee valgus, it can be found as reliable and
helpful. It explored not just one muscle group but of a few while evaluating the torque of the
knee. With sources cited, credentials, and graphics, this source can also be counted as scholarly.
After reading this article, more information has been gathered to aid in the future reach of knee
and hip muscles. With multiple similarities to my research such as the one legged squat, stickers,
and photography this study provided relevant facts and ideas that other studies could not have
done. These articles can be used in different research projects by using it as a reference and
learning from its oversights.

Edwards, Paul N. How to Read a Book. University of Michigan School of Information, vol. 5.

In the article written by Paul N. Edwards, one can be shown the most efficient way on how to
read a book. This takes you through a step by step process on the best strategies and techniques
that can be used to fully understand the topic youre reading. The article recommends eleven
steps such as reading the whole thing and deciding how much time you will spend. Coming from
a large and well-known university (University of Michigan), this source can be found as reliable.
Although the source does not fit in with preventing dance injuries it does help in strengthening
research skills. By improving reading and memorizing abilities, people are better able to
efficiently use time and correctly analyze work.

Gamboa, Jennifer M., DPT, OCS, et al. "Injury Patterns in Elite Preprofessional Ballet
Dancers and the Utility of Screening Programs to Identify Risk Characteristics." Journal
 of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, vol. 38, no. 3, Mar. 2008.

The objective for this study published in 2008 was to measure the predictiveness of screening
data to distinguish between injured and uninjured dancers as well as find the distribution and rate
of injuries in elite preprofessional dancers. Although adolescent dancers account for the majority
of ballet injuries, there is very limited information found. This study collected screening data at
the beginning of each year as well as injury data at the end of each year. This was done on a total
of two hundred and four dancers for 5 years. The ending results of the screenings failed to
differentiate between injured and uninjured dancers and found distribution of injuries was similar
to other studies. Despite the lack of differentiating results, this article remains to be credible. It is
reliable with many well documented facts and has no appearance of a biased opinion. This
source can also be found as scholarly as it was written by four physical therapists with a
minimum PT degree. As this study utilizes screenings similar to others used currently by physical
therapists, this source fits perfectly with the research. The source remains to be scholarly and has
a good balance of general and specific topics.

Key Terms/ Themes: Functional testing, muscle strength, and knee

Greenberger, Hairy B., MS, PT, OCS. "Relationship of Knee Extensor Strength and
Hopping Test Performance in the Assessment of Lower Extremity Function."
Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, vol. 22, no. 5, Nov.
1995.

The point of the study conducted by Hilary Greenberger and Mark Paterno was to determine
the relationship between knee extensor strength of the quadriceps and performance on a one-
legged hop for distance test on subjects with no prior history of knee injury. By utilizing twenty
subjects and having them complete two knee strength tests, the study concluded that isokinetic
strength does not correlate strongly with functional tasks. After reading this study, the
conclusions were not very useful. The articles terminology was a little which made it difficult to
comprehend some of its concepts. However, it did show me that more exercises are needed to
develop more functional performance tests similar to the one legged hop for distance. This fact
does help me. In similar research, I the administrator may use a one legged hop. Finding that a
one legged hop is not useful helps to further develop similar research and maybe conjure
experimental changes. This article must be used lightly as there is bound to be new and more
relevant findings since 1995.

Hamstring Stretch for Dancers. Directed by Leigh Roberts, LAR Physical Therapy.

This video, created by mentor doctor Leigh Roberts, focuses on dynamic stretching.
Specifically active isolated stretching of the hamstring in dancers. Dr. Roberts walked through on
the best ways to stretch. She greatly emphasized the technique of the stretching and why
dynamic is better than static. Although it is best to perform dynamic, it is still important to
change up your pattern between dynamic and static. During this particular stretch, she explains
that it is vital to keep the core engaged, maintain a neutral pelvis, and to only perform when
properly warmed-up with muscles relaxed. My mentor also informs the viewers of a few facts
about what it is being done in this stretch. It is said that the dynamic element of this utilizes the
neurological principle of reciprocal inhibition while the active isolated stretching reinforces
movement patterns used commonly by dancers. Another fact she states is that turnout utilizes
the lateral hamstrings and turning in ensures balance in the hips. Despite the video focusing
on stretching, and not injuries or subjects directly related to my research, this article was found
this to be very informative. When studying dancers, it is very helpful to be informed of all
aspects of dancer rehabilitation. By learning more about the muscles and what is good/bad for
them, one can obtain a better understanding of how the lower extremities function in a dancer. In
addition, it is vital that I learn more about topics and areas that my mentor emphasizes. This will
help me to find patterns and tendencies in her recovery methods. Overall, this video was a great
help to me and I look forward to viewing more.

Harmon-Matthews, Lindsay E., et al. "Examining Standing Turnout with Two

Measurement Methods During Dance Wellness Screening." Journal of Dance
Medicine & Science, vol. 20, no. 3, 2016.

This study completed this past year measured standing functional turnout angles with two
measurement methods. These two methods were a floor protector (FP) and the Functional
Footprint rotational instrument (RI). This research was conducted on collegiate modern dancers,
ballet academy dancers, and professional ballet dancers. The main purpose of this was to
describe trends in mean turnout angles when measured with a floor protractor and rotation
instruments. Another purpose was to compare turnout angles between dancers from three
different training programs. At the end of the experiment, many conclusions were made. First
off, it was found that the average amount of turnout differs when assessed on the FP compare to
the RI. More specifically, the turnout angles were 10 degrees greater on the FP than the RI.
Second, by comparing data, collegiate modern dancers had smaller turnout angles than the
professional and academy ballet dancers. Lastly, the experiment concluded that asymmetry may
occur at the hips and this can be observed on the RI. This assessment of standing functional
turnout was very interesting. It identified characteristics that influence turnout that are not found
elsewhere and the conclusions allowed it to be even more unique. In addition to its uniqueness,
this study helps to better recognize dancers compensatory patterns. Facts related to this can be a
vital reference to other research. However this experiment did have a few flaws in it. Some of
these error were biased selection, anatomical differences, lack of inter- and intra-rater reliability,
age and dance genre differ between groups, and the turnout strategies were not controlled. These
five factors may have invalidated the experiment but none the less, the article is scholarly and
truly helpful in examining turnout.

Liederbach, et al. "Psychological Aspects of Fatigue-Related Injuries in

Dancers." Journal of Dance Medicine Science, vol. 5, no. 4, Dec. 2001.

The point of this study completed in 2001 was to locate patterns that might be linked with
injuries in dancers. Data was collected from three settings: a university conservatory; an urban,
hospital-based outpatient orthopaedic clinic; and a professional ballet company. Psychometric
data was collected and evaluated from these sites. The results concluded that fatigue, highly
intense work, changes in mood as well as diet, and increased work exposure lead to an increase
of probable injury. The study also found that dancers with injuries scored higher for body
dissatisfaction, bulimic and anorexic tendencies, perfectionism, and a drive for thinness. These
characteristics were found much less in non-injured dancers. This result shows us that
malnutrition and attitude is a factor in injuries. This research is very helpful to me because it
brings to attention what other factors might be causing injuries. For example, screening
administrators typically look at knee/hip misalignment as the primary cause for knee injuries.
This research brings to mind other characteristics that could be creating these injuries. Although
this article was published in 2001, this data can still be found as credible as this does not really
go out of date. In addition, this was published by highly recognized physical therapists and
doctors making it better trusted.

Liederbach, Marijeanne, and Megan Richardson Richardson. "The Importance of

Standardization Injury Reporting in Dance." Journal of Dance Medicine &
Science, vol. 11, no. 2.

In the article written by Marijeanne Liederbach and Megan Richardson, the aim is to explain
the importance of standardized injury reporting in dance. In the dancer world, there is no
consistent and systematic way of documenting injury. Without this crucial standardization, it is
impossible to distinguish between variables that influence their occurrence. After reading this
article one can better understand the importance of documenting injuries in dancers. With
progression in this field, the dance medicine community will become more effective at reducing
its injury rates. In addition, this article provides suggested pointers in documentation that may be
able to further help develop data collection. Some of these are important elements of a strong
injury reporting system or even the definition of injury. Although the article lacks proof of
specific ways we can improve upon standardization of injury report, it does provide key tips or
pointers for recording data.

Liederbach, Marijeanne, M.S., A.T., C. Screening for Functional Capacity in

Dancers. PhD dissertation.

As stated by Marijeanne Liederbach in a second article, the importance of standardization

cannot be stressed enough. Well-designed screening tools that measure functional capacity can
bring powerful data for the dance educator. In addition, introducing concepts from broader topics
can help to establish normative values for future use in injury-prevention. With this second more
detailed article on standardization of screenings for dancers, people can look more in depth into
dance-specific injury prevention screening tools. However, because of limited resources and
minimal knowledge on these advanced topics, some of the suggestions may not be useful to
some data collection. Another reason this article may not be useful is because it can be better
defined as an opinion or interview instead of fact. After reading a couple of articles written by
Marijeanne Liederbach, the dance community can continue developing research and further
develop elaborate ideas on screenings and standardization.

Merkensteijn, Gry Galta Van, M.Sc, and Edel Quin, M.Sc, F.H.E.A. "Assessment of
Compensated Turnout Characteristics and their Relationship to Injuries in
University Level Modern Dancers." Journal of Dance Medicine and Science,
vol. 19, no. 2, 2015.
 The article written by Galta Merkensteijn and Edel Quin is a study focusing on the effects of
compensating turnout. More specifically, it studied the relationship between compensated turnout
and injury of the lower extremities and low back in university level modern dancers. A
questionnaire was done to gather information about dancers injuries within the past two years
and a total of 17 of the 22 participants (77%) reported experiencing at least one injury. The next
step of the study was to measure hip external rotation and functional turnout, the difference was
classified as compensated turnout. Results showed that all dancers compensated turnout and
revealed a significant relationship between compensated turnout and the number of injuries
experienced. Although this source did help to explain the effects of compensating turnout, the
article failed to find any new information not found in any similar studies. Due to limited
samplings, inexistent norms of compensated turnout, and no guidelines for measuring turnout,
the study could only support the common perception in dance science literature that poor turnout
could result in injury. Because the source was written in 2015 by two people awarded the
Masters of Science degree and includes well researched facts supported by evidence and
references, this article can be found as credible. Despite the lack of breakthrough results, the
research conducted in this study did help to expand understandings on this topic. This also helps
to confirm and prove beliefs on injury prevention and will be a good source in future research.

Potter, Karen, et al. "Screening in a Dance Wellness Program." International

Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Nov. 2008.

This resource paper composed by the International Association of Dance Medicine and
Science was written to inform its audience of the various purposes and types of screenings.
Specifically, the pre-participation physical screening and injury assessment. The purpose of a
screening can be for a number of reasons. To gain information about dancer(s), promote health
and well-being, to design training programs, and to create injury prevention strategies. Currently,
screening have not been scientifically proven to predict injuries. But this just stresses the
importance for the conduction of more research in this field. However, despite their lack of
correct predictions, screenings may lead to improved dance technique and in turn, healthier
bodies. Screenings also provide a starting profile of the dancers baseline (physical,
psychological, and medical). In a screening, there are a few factors that could influence the type
of screen that is appropriate: dancers profile, effective curriculum and class planning, evaluation
of progress, establishing norms, implementation and follow-up. All of these are very important to
consider when establishing a screening. This article was tremendously useful. It characterized the
importance of screenings and listed numerous factors of things to keep in mind. Overall, it shows
how important screenings are and how they can help improve each individual dancer. Although it
did not name of malalignment characteristics to look for during a screening, it provided a lot of
information surrounding the subject. This source can be found as credible as it was published by
the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.

Richardson, Megan. "Functional Criteria for Assessing Pointe Readiness."

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, vol. 6, no. 1,
2015.

Important factors for pointe readiness have traditionally been: chronological age, years of
dance training, and ankle plantar flexion range motion. The article proposes that lower extremity
strength, neuromuscular control, and skill acquisition are additional factors that are important to
consider. In a survey of dance institutions across the U.S, it is found that age is the primary
prerequisite for pointe training (12 years). Three specific tests were found to best predict pointe
readiness: topple test, airplane test, and single-leg sought test. These tests assess the dancer's
ability to maintain neutral alignment and center of mass. The topple test looks at controlling
ones decelerated landing. The airplane test was most sensitive for distinguishing between
dancers identified by teachers as ready or not ready for pointe work. It focuses on maintaining
lower extremity alignment. This article provided a number of good indicators for if a dancer is
ready for pointe. With these factors, one can infer whether or not a dancer's lower extremities are
weak or strong. This will then aid in identifying weaknesses causing injuries. This education will
help when analyzing the dancers screenings while completing similar studies. It was helpful that
the article kept its descriptions short and to the point. However, it would have been useful to
have seen a comparison of why other tests were not as significant or why they arent as correct in
determining a dancers pointe readiness. One can ensure that this is a trustworthy article knowing
that it was published by the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.

Key Terms/Themes: Physical therapy and two-way video chatting

Roberts, Leigh, PT, DPT, OCS. Interview. 15 Sept. 2016.

On September the 15th, my mentor Dr. Leigh and I had a conversation about online two-way
chatting physical therapy sessions. While with a patient, my mentor brought up this new form of
communication in the physical therapy field. As a result of budgets, distances, and other
hardships, people have started to conduct physical therapy sessions through a two-way video
chat. This is similar to skype. Dr. Leigh and I proceeded to talk about the advantages and
disadvantages of this. Some of the advantages are decreased cost as well as location convenience
while some of the disadvantages are no hands on therapy and decreased validity. This new form
of physical therapy greatly impacts myself because as technology increases, so does everything
else. If I want to be a physical therapist, then adapting to new methods like technology
advancements is vital. With the increase of two-way video chatting, physical therapists might
have no other choice but to use this new method and or discard the traditional way of physical
therapy. I found this discussion to be very helpful to as it does apply to my future. With this, I
can further improve my understanding of the future of physical therapy.

"Spinal Palpations Skills Lab." University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Manuscript.

This article, given to me by my mentor, summarizes the best ways to palpate for conditions.
However, Dr. Roberts asked me to take notice of the Test for determining eye dominance
section. This section is rather important in the world of physical therapy because it is rather
common to misinterpret differences because of eye dominance. This section provides way
examinations to find just how dominant one side is than the other. In result, physical therapists
will be more aware of their eye dominance and then take that into consideration when diagnosing
their patients. This article was rather new and very interesting to read. It described numerous
ways to test for signs of inflammation, acuity, congestion, and eye dominance. This summary is
also a big help because it brought attention to a problem that is rarely touched upon. These
pointers will help in the future when analyzing screenings of dancers for research. In addition,
this article is helpful because it helps to understand the priorities of my mentor, Dr. Leigh
Roberts, and how she looks for signs of injury.

Tibb, Jason, et al. "Implications of a Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa in a Ballet

School." International Journal of Eating Disorders, May 1994.

This study researched the presence of anorexia nervosa in female ballet dancers. This was
done by studying and interviewing a group of 49 female ballet dancers. All were assessed for
physical and psychological indications at the beginning of the academic year. Next, interviews
took place to further assess the diagnosis of the ballet dancers. The results revealed that all
subjects had anorexia-like symptoms. More specifically, 4% were diagnosed with anorexia
nervosa while 9% were diagnosed with partial syndrome anorexia nervosa. This study brings
to mind how present this eating disorder is in dancers. With this data, one can emphasize the fact
that this eating disorder is taking over the art of ballet. Because with the ever growing presence
of this disorder comes the increased risk of injury. Because anorexia nervosa strips the body of
its life sustaining nutrients, injuries become much more prevalent. In conclusion, because
anorexia-like symptoms are found in 100% of dancers, this factor of injury is much more
prevalent than made out to be. This will help to explain other reasons why injuries might occur.
This article can be seen as scholarly because it is published in the Journal of Dance Medicine &
Science.

Whitaker, Alison F. "Timing Matters! Ballet Training in Soft Blocks."

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, vol. 6, no. 1,
2015.

It is well known that pointe work places an increased demand on joints of the feet. The body
should be gradually prepared to control the foot to ensure one improves her technique en pointe.
This article explores how different ballet shoes contribute to a gradually adaptive training
environment as the dancer prepares for pointe work. The study was completed in two parts: 1)
measuring underfoot pressures of the different ballet shoes and 2) collecting information on
ballet use, training, and injuries among female adolescent dancers in vocational training. In the
end, the study supports the practice of wearing soft blocks before starting pointe work. This act
will decrease the chances of injury. Although this article makes a valid point that soft blocks can
decrease injury, there is a flaw in the study. Soft blocks are a good idea for those not quite ready
for pointe. This may be the reason injuries decreased in those that first trained in soft blocks.
With pointe work postponed, injuries would in turn, decrease as well. This factor was not
addressed (the variability in correct pointe starting). On the other hand, this article was helpful
for the same reason. That it educated the dance community on the identifying factors that make a
dancer not technically correct or weak in some areas.
Key Terms/Themes: Patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band, ballet dancer
Winslow, John, MS, PT, ATC, and Evangeline Yoder, MS, PT. "Patellofemoral Pain
in Female Ballet Dancers: Correlation with Iliotibial Band Tightness and
Tibial External Rotation." Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical
Therapy, vol. 22, no. 1, July 1995

The purpose of this study, researched by John Winslow and Evangeline Yoder, was to find the
relationship between iliotibial band (ITB) tightness and patellofemoral pain. 24 University level
ballet dancers were used in the study (12 experimental, 12 control, 48 legs in total). ITB tightness
and degrees of tibial external rotation were measured to find that there was in fact a correlation
between ITB tightness and patellofemoral pain in the dancers. This study reaffirms the belief that
ITB tightness contributes to patellofemoral pain. This study helps in research for a number of
reasons. Some of the similarities being, utilizing dancers as the test subjects, use of a demi plie,
factoring in external hip rotation and assessing its effect on the knee. These similarities help to
create a better understanding of topics similar to my. However, being that the article did not
answer the question: does the preservation of the ITB length prevent patellofemoral pain? this
information would have been useful to obtain. The article was effective on all other points and
did a nice job of explaining its methods. This is credible as a reference as it was published in a
medical journal and written by physical therapists.

Zazulak, Bohdanna T. "The Effects of Core Proprioception on Knee Injury." The

American Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 35, no. 3, Mar. 2007.

It is found that in sports, female athletes suffer knee injuries at a greater rate than male
athletes. The biomechanical-epidemiological study hypothesized that Proprioceptive deficits in
control of the bodys core may affect dynamic stability of the knee. and that those who suffered
a knee injury would result in a decreased core proprioception. To test this, 277 collegiate athletes
(140 female, 137 male) were monitored for injuries over 3 years. Core proprioception relation to
knee injury was measured by an ANOVA and multivariate logistic regression. By doing this, it
was concluded that impaired core proprioception predicted knee injury risk in female, but not
male, athletes. This article, although difficult to grasp, confirmed thoughts relating core strength
to knee injuries. It is known that a weak core may result in knee injury but not that it is much
more prevalent in females instead of males. This article also introduced the idea of
proprioception, an ability that has not been discussed in similar articles. This study was useful
and did introduce new facts to but was not very exciting to read. Nonetheless, it remains
scholarly as being written by doctors and published in The American Journal of Sports
Medicine