Movement variability and biomechanical performance in floorball: a systematic review

Journal of Educational and Learning Studies August 27, 2026 Volume 9, Number 1 3 authors

Abstract

Floorball performance depends on repeated cutting, sprinting, jumping, landing, and change-of-direction (COD) actions, yet evidence on movement variability and its relationship with performance and injury risk remains fragmented. This systematic literature review synthesized floorball biomechanical evidence addressing movement variability, performance, and noncontact injury risk. The review followed PRISMA 2020, using a structured Scopus TITLE-ABS-KEY search. Sixty-nine records were identified; 41 were excluded at title/abstract screening, 28 full texts were assessed, and 18 were excluded, leaving 10 studies for qualitative thematic synthesis. The evidence showed that inter-limb asymmetry and COD/curvilinear-sprint deficits can characterize individual movement strategies; knee valgus, trunk control, landing mechanics, and lower-limb strength are relevant biomechanical factors for performance and injury; and velocity-based, reactive-strength, screening, wearable, and video-based approaches offer promising tools for individualized monitoring. However, the evidence is heterogeneous in task definitions, samples, outcome measures, and competitive representativeness. Quantitative pooling was therefore not undertaken. The review identifies a need for standardized floorball-specific COD and sprint protocols, explicit measurement of variability, prospective validation against injury and match-performance outcomes, and ecologically valid wearable/computer-vision monitoring.

Authors

  1. Ardo Okilanda

    Universitas Negeri Padang

  2. Rudyanto Rudyanto

    Universitas Negeri Padang

  3. M. Arie Desman

    Universitas Negeri Padang

Keywords

References

  1. Abdollahipour, R., Land, W.M., Valtr, L., Banátová, K., & Janura, M. (2023). External Focus Facilitates Cognitive Stability And Promotes Motor Performance Of An Interceptive Task In Children. International Journal Of Sport And Exercise Psychology, 21(6), 1024–1040. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/1612197x.2022.2098356
  2. Achermann, B.B., Regazzi, N., Heynen, R., Lüdin, D., Suter, J., Drewek, A., & Lorenzetti, S.R. (2025). From Monitoring To Prediction: Velocity-Based Strength Training In Female Floorball Athletes. Sports, 13(6), Article 175. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Sports13060175
  3. Åkerlund, I., Sonesson, S., Lindblom, H., Hagelin, E., Carlfjord, S., & Hägglund, M. (2024). "I'd Rather Do That (Knee Control) Than Be Injured And Not Able To Play": A Qualitative Study On Youth Floorball Players' And Coaches' Perspectives Of How To Overcome Barriers For Injury Prevention Exercise Programme Use. Bmj Open Sport And Exercise Medicine, 10(3), Article E001953. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bmjsem-2024-001953
  4. Avramakis, E., Stakoff, A., & Stüssi, E. (2000). Einfluss Des Schuhschaft- Und Der Schuhsohlenhöhe Auf Das Obere Sprunggelenk Bei Seitwärtsbewegung Im Floorball (Unihockey). Sportverletzung-Sportschaden, 14(3), 98–106. Https://Doi.Org/10.1055/S-2000-7869
  5. Bykov, A.V. (2022). Analysis Of Goals Scored In World Floorball Championship 2019. Human Sport Medicine, 22(1), 121–128. Https://Doi.Org/10.14529/Hsm220117
  6. Clarsen, B., Myklebust, G., & Bahr, R. (2013). Development And Validation Of A New Method For The Registration Of Overuse Injuries In Sports Injury Epidemiology: The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre (Ostrc) Overuse Injury Questionnaire. British Journal Of Sports Medicine, 47(8), 495–502. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bjsports-2012-091524
  7. Crotti, M., Heering, T., Lander, N., Fox, A., Barnett, L.M., & Duncan, M.J. (2024). Extrinsic Risk Factors For Primary Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury In Adolescents Aged Between 14 And 18 Years: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine, 54(4), 875–894. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S40279-023-01975-1
  8. Dolgoborodova, A.А., Gudkov, A.B., Popova, O.N., & Shcherbina, F.A. (2022). Analysis Of Physical Status And Its Components In Highly Skilled Floorball Players Over The Playing Season. Human Sport Medicine, 22, 7–13. Https://Doi.Org/10.14529/Hsm22s201
  9. Donelon, T.A., Dos'santos, T., Pitchers, G., Brown, M., & Jones, P.A. (2020). Biomechanical Determinants Of Knee Joint Loads Associated With Increased Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading During Cutting: A Systematic Review And Technical Framework. Sports Medicine - Open, 6, 53. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S40798-020-00276-5
  10. Dos'santos, T., Bishop, C., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P.A. (2019). The Effect Of Limb Dominance On Change Of Direction Biomechanics: A Systematic Review Of Its Importance For Injury Risk. Physical Therapy In Sport, 37, 179–189. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ptsp.2019.04.005
  11. Evans, S.A. (2022). The Biomechanics Of Ice Hockey: Health And Performance Using Wearable Technology. Journal Of Men's Health, 18(9). Https://Doi.Org/10.31083/J.Jomh1809193
  12. Farana, R., Brtva, P., Irwin, G., & Hamill, J. (2025). Head-Trunk Coordination During Shooting Skills In Young Floorball Players. Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport, 96(3), 555–562. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/02701367.2025.2461321
  13. Fasold, F., Braun, A., & Klatt, S. (2022). Effects Of Arm Dominance And Decision Demands On Change Of Direction Performance In Handball Players. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19, 16089. (Bibliographic Details Should Be Checked Against The Final Database Record Before Submission.)
  14. Fortier, A., Turcotte, R.A., & Pearsall, D.J. (2014). Skating Mechanics Of Change-Of-Direction Manoeuvres In Ice Hockey Players. Sports Biomechanics, 13(4), 341–350. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/14763141.2014.981852
  15. Ghasemi, M., Mohammadi Yaghoubi, U., Bakhtiarikhou, S., & Briem, K. (2026). Leg Dominance During Various Cutting Movements: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Knee Biomechanics Related To Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 34(3), 919–929. Https://Doi.Org/10.1002/Ksa.70181
  16. Gómez, M.-A., Prieto, M., Pérez, J., & Sampaio, J. (2013). Ball Possession Effectiveness In Men's Elite Floorball According To Quality Of Opposition And Game Period. Journal Of Human Kinetics, 38(1), 227–237. Https://Doi.Org/10.2478/Hukin-2013-0062
  17. Gudkov, A.B., Demin, A.V., Dolgoborodova, A.A., & Bykov, A.V. (2017). Russian Women's National Floorball Team In Regular Season: Postural Control Rating Study. Teoriya I Praktika Fizicheskoy Kultury, 23–26.
  18. Gudkov, A.B., Dolgoborodova, A.A., Demin, A.V., & Bykov, A.V. (2019). Static /Dynamic Balancing Skills In Skilled Women’s Floor Ball Players In Post-Competitive Period. Teoriya I Praktika Fizicheskoy Kultury, 2019(5), 78–80.
  19. Hagovská, M., Buková, A., Takáč, P., Knap, V., Ondová, P., Oravcová, K., & Kubincová, A. (2023). Comparative Risk Analysis Of Low Back Pain Among Professional Football, Ice Hockey, And Floorball Athletes. Medical Science Monitor, 29, Article E941386. Https://Doi.Org/10.12659/Msm.941386
  20. Heidarnia, E., Letafatkar, A., Khaleghi-Tazji, M., & Grooms, D.R. (2022). Comparing The Effect Of A Simulated Defender And Dual-Task On Lower Limb Coordination And Variability During A Side-Cut In Basketball Players With And Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury. Journal Of Biomechanics, 133, 110965. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Jbiomech.2022.110965
  21. Kramperová, A., & Machač, S. (2024). The Relationship Between Morphology Of Abdominal Wall Muscles And Back Pain In Elite Female Floorball Players – Sonographic Evaluation. Rehabilitace A Fyzikalni Lekarstvi, 31(1), 25–31. Https://Doi.Org/10.48095/Ccrhfl202425
  22. Krejzová, E., Knapová, N., Nykodým, J., & Gimunová, M. (2026). Competitive Floorball Over The Last Decade: A Scoping Review. Frontiers In Sports And Active Living, 8, Article 1753340. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fspor.2026.1753340
  23. Lazzeri, M., Kayser, B., & Armand, S. (2016). Kinematic Predictors Of Wrist Shot Success In Floorball/Unihockey From Two Different Feet Positions. Journal Of Sports Sciences, 34(21), 2087–2094. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1151919
  24. Leppänen, M., Parkkari, J., Vasankari, T., Äyrämö, S., Kulmala, J.-P., Krosshaug, T., Kannus, P., & Pasanen, K. (2021). Change Of Direction Biomechanics In A 180-Degree Pivot Turn And The Risk For Noncontact Knee Injuries In Youth Basketball And Floorball Players. American Journal Of Sports Medicine, 49(10), 2651–2658. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/03635465211026944
  25. Leppänen, M., Pasanen, K., Krosshaug, T., Kannus, P., Vasankari, T., Kujala, U.M., Bahr, R., Perttunen, J., & Parkkari, J. (2017a). Sagittal Plane Hip, Knee, And Ankle Biomechanics And The Risk Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Prospective Study. Orthopaedic Journal Of Sports Medicine, 5(12). Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/2325967117745487
  26. Leppänen, M., Pasanen, K., Kujala, U.M., Vasankari, T., Kannus, P., Äyrämö, S., Krosshaug, T., Bahr, R., Avela, J., Perttunen, J., & Parkkari, J. (2017b). Stiff Landings Are Associated With Increased Acl Injury Risk In Young Female Basketball And Floorball Players. American Journal Of Sports Medicine, 45(2), 386–393. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/0363546516665810
  27. Leppänen, M., Pasanen, K., Kulmala, J.-P., Kujala, U.M., Krosshaug, T., Kannus, P., Perttunen, J., Vasankari, T., & Parkkari, J. (2016). Knee Control And Jump-Landing Technique In Young Basketball And Floorball Players. International Journal Of Sports Medicine, 37(4), 334–338. Https://Doi.Org/10.1055/S-0035-1565104
  28. Leppänen, M., Rossi, M.T., Parkkari, J., Heinonen, A., Äyrämö, S., Krosshaug, T., Vasankari, T., Kannus, P., & Pasanen, K. (2020). Altered Hip Control During A Standing Knee-Lift Test Is Associated With Increased Risk Of Knee Injuries. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine And Science In Sports, 30(5), 922–931. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/Sms.13626
  29. Levin, S., Tervo, T., Ivarsson, A., Hägglund, M., & Stenling, A. (2025). Combinations Of Psychological And Physical Risk Factors For Sport Injuries In Youth Floorball Players: A Latent Profile Analysis. Bmj Open Sport And Exercise Medicine, 11(1), Article E002309. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bmjsem-2024-002309
  30. Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P. A., Clarke, M., Devereaux, P. J., Kleijnen, J., & Moher, D. (2009). The Prisma Statement For Reporting Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses Of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions. Plos Medicine, 6(7), E1000100. Https://Doi.Org/10.1371/Journal.Pmed.1000100
  31. Lum, D., & Joseph, E. (2020). Relationship Between Isometric Force-Time Characteristics And Dynamic Performance Pre- And Post-Training. Journal Of Sports Medicine And Physical Fitness, 60(4), 520–526. Https://Doi.Org/10.23736/S0022-4707.19.10293-9
  32. Lum, D., Barbosa, T.M., Joseph, R., & Balasekaran, G. (2021). Effects Of Two Isometric Strength Training Methods On Jump And Sprint Performances: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal Of Science In Sport And Exercise, 3(2), 115–124. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S42978-020-00095-W
  33. Lum, D., Joseph, R., Ong, K.Y., Tang, J.M., & Suchomel, T.J. (2023). Comparing The Effects Of Long-Term Vs. Periodic Inclusion Of Isometric Strength Training On Strength And Dynamic Performances. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research, 37(2), 305–314. Https://Doi.Org/10.1519/Jsc.0000000000004276
  34. Magnaguagno, L., & Beck, D. (2025). Decision-Making Process In Game Sports: What Do Top-Level Players Think Of Current Research?. Frontiers In Sports And Active Living, 7, Article 1653834. Https://Doi.Org/10.3389/Fspor.2025.1653834
  35. Maly, T., Mala, L., Bujnovsky, D., Hank, M., & Zahalka, F. (2019). Morphological And Isokinetic Strength Differences: Bilateral And Ipsilateral Variation By Different Sport Activity. Open Medicine (Poland), 14(1), 207–216. Https://Doi.Org/10.1515/Med-2019-0014
  36. Mausehund, L., & Krosshaug, T. (2024). Knee Biomechanics During Cutting Maneuvers And Secondary Acl Injury Risk: A Prospective Cohort Study Of Knee Biomechanics In 756 Female Elite Handball And Soccer Players. The American Journal Of Sports Medicine, 52(5), 1209–1219. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/03635465241234255
  37. Okilanda, A., Arnando, M., Mia, A.S., Nazaruddin, M.N.B., & Ockta, Y. (2026). Exploring Coaching Strategies In Floorball: A Qualitative Approach To Performance Enhancement. Journal Of Sport And Health Research, 17, 166–177. Https://Doi.Org/10.58727/Jshr.118962
  38. Olli, K., Mari, L., Pekka, K., Kathrin, S., Tommi, V., Tanja, K., Jari, P., & Kati, P. (2025). Postural Control As A Risk Factor For Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury In Youth Female Basketball And Floorball Athletes. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine And Science In Sports, 35(6), Article E70081. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/Sms.70081
  39. Page, M. J., Mckenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., Mcdonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The Prisma 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline For Reporting Systematic Reviews. Bmj, 372, N71. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bmj.N71
  40. Pasanen, K., Parkkari, J., Äyrämö, S., Vasankari, T., Krosshaug, T., & Leppänen, M. (2025). No Association Between Knee Biomechanics During 90-Degree Cutting Maneuver And Future Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury In Female Floorball Players. Clinical Biomechanics, 126, Article 106571. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Clinbiomech.2025.106571
  41. Pasanen, K., Parkkari, J., Pasanen, M., & Kannus, P. (2009). Effect Of A Neuromuscular Warm-Up Programme On Muscle Power, Balance, Speed And Agility: A Randomised Controlled Study. British Journal Of Sports Medicine, 43(13), 1073–1078. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bjsm.2009.061747
  42. Pasanen, K., Parkkari, J., Pasanen, M., Hiilloskorpi, H., Mäkinen, T., Järvinen, M., & Kannus, P. (2008). Neuromuscular Training And The Risk Of Leg Injuries In Female Floorball Players: Cluster Randomised Controlled Study. Bmj, 337(7661), 96–99. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bmj.A295
  43. Pasanen, K., Rossi, M.T., Parkkari, J., Heinonen, A., Steffen, K., Myklebust, G., Krosshaug, T., Vasankari, T., Kannus, P., Avela, J., Kulmala, J.-P., Perttunen, J., Kujala, U.M., & Bahr, R. (2017). Predictors Of Lower Extremity Injuries In Team Sports (Profits-Study): A Study Protocol. Bmj Open Sport And Exercise Medicine, 1(1), Article E000076. Https://Doi.Org/10.1136/Bmjsem-2015-000076
  44. Perera, N.K.P., & Hägglund, M. (2020). We Have The Injury Prevention Exercise Programme, But How Well Do Youth Follow It?. Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport, 23(5), 463–468. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Jsams.2019.11.008
  45. Prieto-Gómez, M., Pérez-Tejero, J., & Gómez, M.A. (2013). Offensive Performance Indicators Of High Level Floorball. Ricyde: Revista Internacional De Ciencias Del Deporte, 9(32), 114–125. Https://Doi.Org/10.5232/Ricyde2013.03202
  46. Raïsänen, A., Pasanen, K., Krosshaug, T., Avela, J., Perttunen, J., & Parkkari, J. (2016). Single-Leg Squat As A Tool To Evaluate Young Athletes' Frontal Plane Knee Control. Clinical Journal Of Sport Medicine, 26(6), 478–482. Https://Doi.Org/10.1097/Jsm.0000000000000288
  47. Ridan, T., Warzecha, A., Ogrodzkaciechanowicz, K., Kita, B., & Czupryna, K. (2018). Fms Test In Assessing The Risk Of Injury In A Group Of Female Floorball Players. Fizjoterapia Polska, 18(4), 74–84.
  48. Rontu, J.-P., Hannula, M.I., Sami, L., Linnamo, V., & Salmi, J.A. (2010). One-Repetition Maximum Bench Press Performance Estimated With A New Accelerometer Method. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research, 24(8), 2018–2025. Https://Doi.Org/10.1519/Jsc.0b013e3181c7c433
  49. Rossi, M.K., Pasanen, K., Heinonen, A., Äyrämö, S., Leppänen, M., Myklebust, G., Vasankari, T., Kannus, P., & Parkkari, J. (2021). The Standing Knee Lift Test Is Not A Useful Screening Tool For Time Loss From Low Back Pain In Youth Basketball And Floorball Players. Physical Therapy In Sport, 49, 141–148. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ptsp.2021.01.017
  50. Rossi, M.K., Pasanen, K., Heinonen, A., Ayrämö, S., Räisänen, A.M., Leppänen, M., Myklebust, G., Vasankari, T., Kannus, P., & Parkkari, J. (2020). Performance In Dynamic Movement Tasks And Occurrence Of Low Back Pain In Youth Floorball And Basketball Players. Bmc Musculoskeletal Disorders, 21(1), Article 350. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S12891-020-03376-1
  51. Ryman Augustsson, S., Gustafsson, T., & Ageberg, E. (2024). Can Tests Of Physical Fitness Predict Traumatic Knee Injury In Youth Female Athletes? A Prospective Cohort Study. Physical Therapy In Sport, 69, 15–21. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ptsp.2024.06.007
  52. Svensson, M., Harringe, M., Hedevik, H., & Kvist, J. (2026). Return To Preinjury Sport After Acl Injury Treated With Rehabilitation Alone Or Acl Reconstruction: Results From The Nacox Prospective Cohort Study. Physical Therapy In Sport, 81, Article 101952. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Ptsp.2026.101952
  53. Tengman, E., Pettersson, A., Jönsson, L., & Tervo, T. (2025). Floorball Goaltending Movements During A Game: A Quantitative Observational Study. Bmc Sports Science, Medicine And Rehabilitation, 17(1), Article 147. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/S13102-025-01202-6
  54. Tervo, T., Ermling, J., Nordström, A., & Toss, F. (2020). The 9+ Screening Test Score Does Not Predict Injuries In Elite Floorball Players. Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine And Science In Sports, 30(7), 1232–1236. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/Sms.13663
  55. Thomas, J., & Harden, A. (2008). Methods For The Thematic Synthesis Of Qualitative Research In Systematic Reviews. Bmc Medical Research Methodology, 8, 45. Https://Doi.Org/10.1186/1471-2288-8-45
  56. Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards A Methodology For Developing Evidence-Informed Management Knowledge By Means Of Systematic Review. British Journal Of Management, 14(3), 207–222. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375
  57. Van Den Tillaar, R. (2018). Effect Of Different Shooting Techniques In Floorball On Accuracy And Velocity In Experienced Male Floorball Players. Motor Control, 22(4), 436–448. Https://Doi.Org/10.1123/Mc.2017-0036
  58. Van Der Does, H.T.D., Brink, M.S., Visscher, C., Huijgen, B.C.H., Frencken, W.G.P., & Lemmink, K.A.P.M. (2015). The Effect Of Stress And Recovery On Field-Test Performance In Floorball. International Journal Of Sports Medicine, 36(6), 460–465. Https://Doi.Org/10.1055/S-0034-1398581
  59. Vecbērza, L., & Plakane, L. (2025a). Optimizing Performance In Floorball: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Ankle Plantar-Flexor Muscle Strength Components. Journal Of Physical Education And Sport, 25(7), 1576–1585. Https://Doi.Org/10.7752/Jpes.2025.07176
  60. Vecbērza, L., Plakane, L., & Ābeļkalns, I. (2026). Curvilinear Sprint In Floorball: Association With Linear And Angle-Dependent Change Of Direction Performance. Journal Of Human Sport And Exercise, 21(1), 378–390. Https://Doi.Org/10.55860/5vxkap14
  61. Vecbērza, L., Šmite, Z., Plakane, L., & Ābeļkalns, I. (2025b). The Impact Of Ankle Plantar-Flexor Muscle Strength On Sprint Acceleration In Floorball Players. International Journal Of Sports Physiology And Performance, 20(3), 393–398. Https://Doi.Org/10.1123/Ijspp.2024-0272
  62. Xu, B., Mu, J., Liu, Y., & Ma, M. (2025). Ccd-Yolo11n: A Novel Approach For Player Detection In Floorball. Communications In Computer And Information Science, 2569 Ccis, 545–557. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/978-981-96-9958-2_44
  63. Xu, Y., Wang, R., Yuan, P., Yu, S., Chen, W., & Liu, J. (2025). Influence Of Unanticipated Side-Step Cutting And Landing On Trunk And Lower Limb Biomechanics: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. Journal Of Biomechanics, 190, 112863. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Jbiomech.2025.112863
  64. Zhang, S., Fu, W., & Liu, Y. (2019). Changes In Lower-Limb Biomechanics, Soft Tissue Vibrations, And Muscle Activation During Unanticipated Bipedal Landings. Journal Of Human Kinetics, 67, 25–35. Https://Doi.Org/10.2478/Hukin-2019-0003