Motor Control and Regularity of Menstrual Cycle in Ankle and Knee Injuries of Female Basketball Players: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Inadequate motor control facilitates ankle and knee injuries in female basketball. Although biomechanical analysis could help to detect it, aspects such as irregular menstruation make these associations controversial. We aimed to evaluate associations between 2D biomechanics during landing and proprioception with ankle and knee injuries of female basketball players, considering their menstruation regularity. Seventy-one players participated in this study. In the preseason, participants performed a drop-jump to obtain biomechanics during landing and a weight-bearing proprioception test. During the competitive season, all the non-contact ankle and knee injuries were registered. Data showed that 16% of players sustained an ankle or knee injury, being more frequent in players with irregular menstruation compared to regulars (22% vs. 13%, χ2 = 6.009, p = 0.050, d = 0.6). Players who sustained a left-side injury displayed higher left-side dynamic valgus during landing than uninjured players (χ2 = 25.88, p = 0.006, d = 1.5). The rest of the variables did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05). Monitoring 2D dynamic valgus from a drop-jump could help to detect inadequate motor control that may facilitate ankle or knee injuries of female basketball players, mainly for those with irregular menstruation. Proprioception seems not to be related to injuries.