The lateral jump-landing test: A novel dynamic postural control test with dual-task in athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at return-to-sport.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the reliability of the Lateral Jump Landing Test (LJLT), a novel dynamic postural control test incorporating a dual-task component, in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) at return to sport (RTS).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional reliability study.

SETTING

University hospital laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Athletes with ACLR at RTS.

METHODS

Dynamic postural control was assessed by counting Change-in-Support Strategy (CSS) errors using two-dimensional video analysis. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using ICC and standard errors of measurement (SEM), and interrater reliability using ICCs and Cohen's kappa coefficients. Between-leg and between-task differences were analysed using paired-samples t-tests (p < .05).

RESULTS

For test-retest reliability, ICCs were ≥.70, except for non-operated leg during the dual task (ICC = .49), with SEMs ranging from 1.7 to 2.7 errors. For the interrater reliability, ICCs were >.90 and kappa coefficients ranged from .50 to 1.0. CSS scores were significantly higher during the dual-task than the single-task condition, except for the operated leg at retest. Between-leg differences were nonsignificant, except during the dual task at retest.

CONCLUSIONS

The LJLT demonstrated moderate-to-good test-retest reliability across most conditions and excellent interrater reliability. The dual-task condition challenged dynamic postural control, while performance was largely comparable between operated and non-operated limbs.