PREVALENCE OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY RISK AMONG BASKETBALL PLAYERS USING KINOVEA SOFTWARE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries in athletes, particularly in sports requiring jumping, pivoting, and rapid changes in direction such as basketball. Faulty landing biomechanics significantly increase the risk of non-contact ACL injuries. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a validated clinical tool used to identify biomechanical errors during jump-landing tasks associated with ACL injury risk. Motion analysis software such as KINOVEA allows detailed assessment of landing mechanics through video-based biomechanical analysis.  
Purpose: To determine the prevalence of ACL injury risk among basketball players using LESS assessment analyzed through KINOVEA software. 
Methods & Materials: A non-experimental cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 162 basketball players aged 18–35 years participated in the study. Participants with recent knee injuries, lower-limb fractures, or previous ACL tears were excluded. Participants performed a standardized jump-landing task from a 30-cm platform. Landing mechanics were recorded and analyzed using KINOVEA software. LESS scoring was used to categorize ACL injury risk levels. 
Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.66 ± 1.98 years, with a mean playing experience of 7.88 ± 2.52 years. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 21.73 ± 1.95 kg/m². Based on LESS analysis, 64% demonstrated moderate risk, 21% high risk, and 18% low risk of ACL injury, while no participants were classified under severe risk. 
Conclusion: Basketball players demonstrated a moderate prevalence of ACL injury risk based on LESS assessment analysed using KINOVEA software. Early screening of landing biomechanics may assist physiotherapists in identifying at-risk athletes and implementing preventive neuromuscular training strategies