Athletes with a clinical rating of good and poor lumbopelvic stability have different kinematic variables during single leg squat and dip test

To examine the kinematics of athletes with good and poor lumbopelvic stability (LPS) based on clinical rating criteria of single leg squat (SLS) and dip test (DT) The aim was to establish if good and poor LPS categorization is supported by differences in kinematic variables.

Sixty-two recreational athletes had their LPS categorized using clinical rating criteria for SLS and DT as good, poor or neither good nor poor. Kinematic measures were examined in those with good (N = 8) or poor (N = 14) LPS and results compared to the rating criteria.

Multiple clinical rating criteria for good and poor LPS groups were distinguished by kinematic measures. Smoothness of motion for both SLS and DT distinguished good and poor LPS. Minimal (good) or discernible movement (poor) out of the starting plane was confirmed with kinematic measures. For SLS these movements were: weight-bearing hip adduction, non-weightbearing hip abduction, pelvic rotation, and trunk sideflexion, and for DT: weightbearing hip adduction, non-weightbearing hip abduction and pelvic obliquity. Additionally, hip dissociation (SLS) distinguished good and poor LPS.

Athletes with good and poor LPS have different kinematic measures in single leg squat and dip test. Multiple clinical rating criteria of LPS that distinguish good and poor stability were confirmed by kinematic measures.