Movement Analysis Test (M.A.T.)

Movement Analysis Test (M.A.T.) is a medical test performed inside the Green Room.

Movement Analysis Test (M.A.T.) is a 2-dimensional (2D) biomechanical evaluation test, carried out by physicians in order to predict the risk of lower limb injury. It also helps to evaluate whether the patient is ready to return to sports training, reducing the risk of re-injury.

The test was developed for the evaluation of movement patterns in patients with lower limb injuries, especially those involving the knee (for example anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), rupture or Patellofemoral syndrome). It is also recommended for the evaluation of motor patterns in patients with hip, ankle, back and muscular issues. Furthermore, it is indicated for the evaluation of healthy athletes, in order to help establish a correct prevention programme.

Sharing of the movements tested in real time between doctor and patient which allows a first, tangible understanding of the movements.

Example of a change of direction movement in a patient with a previous right knee problem. The first MAT (figure A) shows the presence of dynamic valgus knee (knee that falls medially) which is resolved at the control MAT (figure B), performed after the neuromotor training program.

The Movement Analysis Test (M.A.T.) consists of 2D frontal and lateral evaluation of six sport-specific patterns with high speed cameras and a dedicated software for the movement analysis.

During the test the patient can observe in real time, with slow motion images, their movements and identify, with the help of the physician, the correct ones. The series of six movements are evaluated according to five objective criteria. The explanation of the test includes results with a final score. The result is considered optimal if the test score is ≥90%.

Based on the results obtained from the Movement Analysis Test (M.A.T.) the physician is able to prescribe personalized neuromotor and neuromuscular training based sessions aimed to correct the movement dysfunction, to accelerate the rehabilitation and to reduce the risk of re-injury.

From ACL injury mechanisms to the prevention of re-injury

We have deeply studied the mechanisms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in many different sports. In the majority of cases ACL injuries occur without direct contact to the knee.

In one of our study of over 130 analysed injury videos (Della Villa et Al, BJSM 2020), approximately 9 injuries out of 10 (88%) in professional football players occurred without any contact or as a result of indirect contact (in most cases at the trunk level).

This suggests that some of these injuries can be prevented.

From a biomechanical point of view, ACL injuries often occur with a so-called “dynamic knee valgus " mechanism, a combination of movements in the frontal and transverse planes of the lower limb that results in excessive load on the ligament.

From a tactical and coaching point of view, there are important differences between the sports for this kind of injury. For example in football (soccer) most of the ACL injuries are during defensive play (68%), while in Basketball and Rugby it is exactly the opposite, with a majority of injuries in offensive actions (73% and 72% respectively).