2. Contents
Why Test? Tissue Quality
What predisposes us to Breathing patterns
injury?
Conclusion
Mobility
Stability
Strength / Power
Posture
FMS
3. Why Test?
Locate possible future causes of injury
Shows our weaknesses (only as strong as weakest link)
Gives us good objective Markers
Return to play protocols
Global weaknesses in a team, WHY?
4. What predisposes us to injury?
Previous Injury
Asymmetries
Muscle Imbalances
Decreased joint mobility
Muscle weakness
Decreased neurological input (Balance / Motor Control)
Fatigue
5. Mobility
Thoracic Spine Decrease in stride length
Altered breathing mechanics Diminished proprioception
Increase load on Cx& Lx Decreased stability
Affect GHJ, impingement,
increased incidence of labral Ankle
damage. Toe Out, Pronation, Tibial
Core function rotation, hip IR
Load Quad and calf, toe flexors
Glenohumeral Poor squat mechanics
Decreased power output Excessive knee extension
Labral, and cuff tethering / damage Alters gait
Elbow damage, neural tethering.
Hip Assessment Methods: Tx: OH Clearing,
Increased load on Lx GHJ: Sahrmann, Hip, IR, Flexn / Extn
Muscular injuries Ankle: DF, knee to wall.
Decreased power output
6. Stability
Scapular
Control of whole upper limb
Good shoulder positioning / Glenohumeral
Alignment.
POWER.
Lumbar Spine / Pelvis
Lumbar spine is built for stability
Control of whole lower limb
Knee
Function of posterior knee, PLC
Assessment Methods: Scap: loaded upper limb (winging, fatigue)
Lx / Pelvis, rotational stability (force gauge L & R) Knee: Reverse Plank.
7. Strength / Power
Cuff Strength (also look at firing / timing)
Adductor Strength
Pelvic Rotary Stability
Power Testing (Jump Squat) Just Jump mats, gym aware
Push to Pull Ratios
S & C testing
3 Rep Max
Technique assessment
Assessment Methods: Force Gauge, Mass
8. Posture / Observations
Kypho-lordotic? Extension based LBP
Quad / Glute dominant
Where are they loading? Do they collapse?
Muscle Imbalances
Firing Patterns
Assessment Methods: Visual,
Video analysis
9.
10. FMS
Great for mobility and stability in combination
Deep Squat
Main lift technique
SFMA
Assessment Methods: FMS criteria
14. Conclusion
Rugby League is such a hard collision sport it is virtually impossible
to screen / Prehab against most traumatic injuries.
In theory you can reduce all non-collision injuries.
“overuse”, mobility based collision injuries.
Reduce severity of injury.
Vital that you do something with the results and players follow this.
Where next?.... Maintenance, reassess, constant testing, self
screen?
15. References
Cook, G. (2010). Movement. Aptos, CA: On Target
Publications
Nickelston, P.. (2012). 10 Things Breathing Patterns Tell Me
About Your Body. Available:
http://www.stopchasingpain.com/2012/03/08/10-things-
breathing-patterns-tell-me-about-your-body/. Last
accessed 14th Aug 2012.
O’Sullivan, D. (2010/11). Leeds Rhinos Preseason
Screening. ProSport Physiotherapy
