Reviewing the Use of Injury Screening Assessments and Identifying Risk of Injury

Lower extremity injures account for over half of reported sports related injuries with the ankle and knee being the most commonly injured joints. The majority of non-contact injuries related to these two joints can potentially be prevented through individualized prevention programs. Biomechanical injury screening has the potential to identify the risk factors associated with injury and allows the implementation of targeted rehabilitation strategies to combat the identified deficits. There is substantial need for screening assessments that are practical and accurate for the clinical athletic trainer. This literature reviewed examined the dorsiflexion lunge test, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y-Balance Test, Star Excursion Balance Test and lower extremity strength as preseason screening tools and their ability to predict future injury of primarily the knee and ankle. Practicing athletic trainers need an assessment tool that is inexpensive, easy to implement and has the ability to screen large numbers of athletes efficiently. The Y Balance test is recommended to implement as part of the preseason pre-participation exam so the athletic trainer can identify athletes who are at higher risk for injury and develop an individualized rehabilitation program to improve this deficits and ultimately reduce injury rates. This assessment screen has the highest sensitivity and best likelihood ratios. These values are specific for non-contact injuries and produce a minimal amount off false positives