The impact of lumbar hyperlordosis on dynamic knee valgus during single-leg jump landing and squat in male college football players

Study aim: Dynamic knee valgus is one of the most common reasons for knee instability during functional activities in sports. Lumbar hyperlordosis, as an abnormal posture, is associated with decreased knee stability due to altered neuromuscular function of the lower limb muscles. This study aimed to investigate the impact of lumbar hyperlordosis on dynamic knee valgus during single-leg jump landing and squat in male college football players.

Materials and methods: Thirty male college athletes (15 with and 15 without lumbar hyperlordosis) participated in this study. Dynamic knee valgus was measured using a motion analysis system during single-leg jump landing and squat (descending phase). The independent samples t-test was used to compare the means between the groups (α=0.05).

Results: Athletes with lumbar hyperlordosis exhibited significantly greater knee valgus during both tasks.

Conclusions: Increased dynamic knee valgus angle in athletes with lumbar hyperlordosis may contribute to decreased knee stability and increased injury risk. Coaches and athletes should implement corrective strategies and exercises to prevent injuries associated with dynamic knee valgus in athletes with lumbar hyperlordosis.