Impact of Hamstring Flexibility, Quadriceps Strength and Dynamic Balance on Landing Mechanics in Recreational Basketball Players

Background: Basketball relies heavily on jumping. Insufficient hamstring flexibility and quadriceps weakness can increase the risk of muscle injuries when landing after vertical jumps. Additionally, dynamic balance plays a crucial role in both athletic performance and injury prevention. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between hamstring flexibility, quadriceps strength and dynamic balance with landing mechanics in recreational basketball players. Methods: 153 basketball players were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Hamstring flexibility, quadriceps strength, dynamic balance, and landing mechanics were analyzed using a sit-and-reach test, dynamometer, Y-balance test, and Landing error scoring system (LESS) respectively. Pearson correlation test was utilized to analyze the relationship between hamstring flexibility, quadriceps strength and dynamic balance with landing mechanics among recreational basketball players. Results: The study found a strong correlation between dynamic balance and LESS in dominant (D) and non-dominant legs (ND), with negative correlations observed for anterior (r = -0.859, p <.001(ND), r = -0.835, p <.001(D)), posteromedial (r = -0.836, p <.001 (ND), r = -0.853, p <.001(D)) and posterolateral (r = -0.863, p <.001(ND), r = -0.844, p <.001(D)) leg positions. No significant association was found between hamstring flexibility and LESS, (r = -0.145, p= 0.077), whereas quadriceps muscle strength showed significant positive relationship with LESS, (r = 0.300, p<.001) (D) and (r = 0.287, p<.001) (ND). Conclusion: The significant association between dynamic balance and LESS indicates that training programs should focus on improving dynamic balance to enhance performance and prevent health risk related injuries, while hamstring flexibility does not directly influence landing mechanics.