Emily Sabo

Date of Award

5-2022

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Alyson Dearie, EdD, ATC

Second Advisor

Kevin D. Dames, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Lacy Gunn, M.S., ATC

Abstract

Introduction: Artistic gymnastics is a demanding sport composed of high intensity activities. Decreased range of motion can increase the risk of lower extremity injury due to the inability to disperse forces properly upon landing. Landing from a height demands dynamic balance, which may be influenced by ankle range of motion. Due to the complexity of the sport, identifying potential deficits at the ankle could lead to the development of injury prevention programs. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate if correlations exist between active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AROM) and static balance and/or AROM and dynamic balance in artistic gymnastics. Methods: A quasi-experimental study examined AROM and dynamic balance utilizing the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. Lunge distance and reach distance from each test was recorded in centimeters. A force plate was used to provide an addition objective measure on single limb balance. This study took place in a laboratory setting on the SUNY Cortland campus. Conclusions: This study provides evidence to a unique population in sport. Division III collegiate artistic gymnastics is underrepresented in the literature and this study may be able to guide preventative programs created by medical personnel. Although this study looks at a unique population, no significant correlations were found between measures. A moderate correlation was found between the WBLT and the posteromedial direction of the SEBT.

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