The Influence of Anticipation on Landing Error Scoring System Performance in Soccer and Volleyball Athletes

Abstract Context : The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a field test used to assess biomechanics during a drop-jump task that predispose an athlete to an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury. The drop-jump task during the LESS is a preplanned task. Thus, the athlete can anticipate their movement strategy prior to the drop jump. This anticipatory nature of the LESS assessment may not be indicative of the dynamic nature observed in many sports where athletes need to react to the environment around them. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of anticipation on the LESS performance. Methods: Eleven soccer and volleyball athletes performed a standard anticipated LESS assessment followed by an unanticipated LESS assessment where they had to react to an external stimulus. Comparisons in LESS score were made between the anticipated and unanticipated LESS trials. Results: LESS scores for the unanticipated trials were significantly higher ( P < .05), indicating worse performance. Conclusions: Practitioners should consider implementing an unanticipated LESS assessment as it may be more indicative of the demands placed on athletes in their sport, thus providing more meaningful results.