The relationship between attentional control and injury-related biomechanics in young female volleyball players
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Adolescent athletes, particularly in team sports, exhibit high risk of non-contact injuries due to the open environment and risk-associated movements. Both biomechanical risk factors and suboptimal neurocognitive function have been linked to such injuries. The association particularly between attentional control and injury-related biomechanics remains unexplored in young athletes. Methods: Fifty female volleyball players aged 7-15 years participated. Attentional control was assessed using the Eriksen Flanker test (congruent, incongruent reaction times (RT) and interference effect). Biomechanical measures included the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), single-leg dynamic balance (center of pressure [CoP] movement), leg stiffness during submaximal hopping, and reactive strength index (RSI) during drop jumps. Spearman's rank correlation and partial Spearman's rank correlation (controlling for age) were used. Results: = 0.16). When age was not accounted for, additional moderate negative correlations were observed between congruent and incongruent reaction times and leg stiffness, as well as with RSI. Conclusion: While response inhibition was positively associated with dynamic balance, other biomechanical measures, seemed to follow a more age-dependent developmental trajectory. Among injury-related biomechanical risks, only dynamic balance can thus be considered more related to neurocognitive function. Sport practitioners are advised to consider coupling dynamic stability exercises with neurocognitive evaluations for more holistic prevention of injuries in young athletes.
Source: Frontiers in Physiology
Authors: Ivana Hanzlíková, Karolína Válová, Michal Lehnert, Martin Dvořáček, Elisa Doleželová, Adam Grinberg
Institutions: Palacký University Olomouc, Umeå University
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4412041597