The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Lean Mass, Movement Profile, & Vertical Ground Reaction Force in Physically Active College-Aged Females

There are a variety of tools that can be used to measure body composition. One tool is the DXA scan, which provides whole body information regarding bone mineral density and body mass composition (fat and muscle). Force plates can also prove useful in analyzing vertical ground reaction force biomechanics. By utilizing these two tools, whole body information and landing biomechanics may be assessed in an attempt to identify and reduce risk of lower extremity injury. Thus far, evidence from other studies in regards to lower extremity injury and lower extremity mass composition seems promising, though some sources indicate little correlation between the two. The purpose of this study was twofold. One purpose was to determine if there was a difference in lower extremity mass composition between “low” and “high” risk movement profiles. The second purpose was to determine if there was a relationship between lower extremity mass composition and baseline loading patterns during landing.Bachelor of Art