Honors Theses

Advisor

Matthew Beerse, Ph.D.

Department

Health and Sport Science

Publication Date

4-1-2023

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

Osgood Schlatter Disease (OSD) is a condition of inflammation of the patellar tendon and tibial tuberosity that can lead to pain and discomfort. It is most common in adolescents aged 8-15 years who are physically active or participate in sports. Adolescents participating in sports and going through puberty struggle to handle the load put on their lower body. The few studies that have determined OSD risk factors have performed retrospective studies that consist of subjects who have already been diagnosed with OSD. Some of the commonly accepted risk factors are overuse, performing movements such as jumping or cutting, and an improper balance of strength and flexibility of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. The quadriceps and hamstring muscles work in tandem to flex and extend the knee, which places stress on the patellar tendon. This study aims to evaluate the stress that certain soccer related movements place on the patellar tendon of children between ages 7 and 12 years old and if flexibility and muscle strength impacts that stress. Investigating how patellar tendon load is affected by certain soccer related movements and the flexibility and strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings will help to determine risk factors. Determining certain risk factors will inform pre-adolescents and adolescents of specific physical activity related precautions.

Permission Statement

This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.

Keywords

Undergraduate research

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