New thesis evaluates clinical test for assessment of movement quality

Visual assessment of movement quality when performing functional movement tests is commonly used in the clinical setting. My thesis focuses on the measurement properties of one functional movement test, the Single Leg Squat test. However, as visual assessment is subjective in nature, we also evaluated an objective marker-less motion capture system. 

Which are the most important results?  

We found the Single Leg Squat to be a reliable and clinically useful test of movement quality in contrast to the evaluated marker-less motion capture system. We developed, evaluated and proposed a standardised multi-segmental Single Leg Squat that regardless of the raters’ experience showed a clinically acceptable reliability. The proposed Single Leg Squat was finally applied in a sample of female soccer players where the outcome of the test was associated with a variety of biopsychosocial factors.

How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people's health?  

Movement quality is seen as an independent attribute which is of importance in rehabilitation and injury prevention. A better understanding of the outcome of the Single Leg Squat might aid the clinician to make evidence-based decisions about rehabilitation and return to sport, and to guide safe and effective exercise prescriptions. This may be important especially in younger females who are more prone to serious knee injuries. 

What's in the future for you? Will you continue to conduct research?  

I will continue my research parallel to my clinical work as a physiotherapist. In the near future, I will evaluate several biopsychosocial factors, and in addition the Single Leg Squat and hormonal factors, in a longitudinal study to investigate if these factors can predict injury during a soccer season.