Does the Single-Leg Vertical Jump Test Reflect Running Lower Limb Symmetry? Biomechanical Analysis Using Three-Dimensional Motion Capture System: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The ability to resume running is a pivotal milestone in sports rehabilitation, with experts often emphasizing readiness assessments. These assessments simulate the loading rates experienced during running to gauge preparedness. Lower limb biomechanical asymmetry influences performance, injury susceptibility, and return-to-run determinations. Running and vertical jump tests exhibit biomechanical parallels, yet the corelation in asymmetry between these movements remains unexplored in current literature. Research question and aim: This project aimed to investigate the relationship between lower limb biomechanical asymmetry during the single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ) test and running. Methods: Ten healthy adults (age range 23-43; 5 male and 5 female) participated in this study. Vicon® 3D motion capture system and an AMTI® OR6 force plate were used in the data collection. Each participant performed the SLVJ test and running. Eight biomechanical variables were obtained from each activity. The symmetry between these variables was quantified via the symmetry angle method. Correlation tests were performed, and Bland Altman's plots were created for agreement analysis. Findings: Only one symmetry value showed a statistically significant correlation. This was between the Symmetry Angle (SA) for the Ankle Angle that yielded a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.471, p = 0.036) even so the agreement test showed that the SA for the ankle angle had the highest Bias (-14.71). SLVJ SA values tend to overestimate compared to running since only two of eight pairs are positive: knee angle and knee moment. Interpretation: With the possible exception of ankle angle symmetry, the SLVJ test may not strongly predict running lower limb symmetry. Significance: This finding affects return-to-run decision-making for injured athletes, particularly in terms of restoring lower limb symmetry.