Lower leg injury risk factors in international male lacrosse players: the acute effects of a Sixes match

BACKGROUND: World Lacrosse Sixes (Sixes) is a new variant of the sport of lacrosse and lower limb injuries are highly prevalent. Currently, no studies have been conducted that identify the modifiable injury risk factors associated with this variant. The aim of this study was to observe the acute effects of Sixes lacrosse gameplay on lower limb injury risk factors in male international Sixes lacrosse players. METHODS: Ten international male outfield Sixes lacrosse players (24.8±2.6 years, 180.2±8.8 cm, 90.1±7.6 kg) performed isometric plantar flexion strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and countermovement jump pre- and postcompetitive match play. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in plantar flexion strength in either the dominant or non-dominant limb. A small, yet statistically significant increase in dorsiflexion range of motion was found in the non-dominant limb (P≤0.001, g=0.31), while changes in the dominant limb were trivial and non-significant. Countermovement jump performance showed no significant differences in jump height, time to take-off, or reactive strength index-modified (P>0.05). A small increase in countermovement depth (P=0.052, g=-0.26) and body mass (P=0.006, g=0.09) was observed postmatch. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a single Sixes lacrosse match resulted in a small increase in ankle dorsiflexion and altered countermovement jump strategy. Further research is needed to assess the cumulative effects of repeated match-play in tournament settings.