TABLE 3.
Comparison of Baseline Characteristics Between Injured Defensive Linemen and Control Defensive Playersa
| Control Players (n = 27) | Injured Players (n = 27) | P Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age, y, mean ± SD | 26.4 ± 3.2 | 25.6 ± 3.1 | .349 |
| BMI, kg/m2, mean ± SD | 35.7 ± 3.5 | 35.2 ± 3.5 | .815 |
| Side of injury, n (%) | — | ||
| Left | — | 11 (40.7) | |
| Right | — | 16 (59.3) | |
| Position, n (%) | >.999 | ||
| Defensive tackle | 13 (48.2) | 13 (48.2) | |
| Defensive end | 14 (51.9) | 14 (51.9) | |
| League, n (%) | >.999 | ||
| NFC | 16 (59.3) | 15 (55.6) | |
| AFC | 11 (40.7) | 12 (44.4) | |
| Total seasons, mean ± SD | 9.2 ± 3.0 | 7.2 ± 3.0 | .020 |
| Currently playing, n (%) | .577 | ||
| No | 15 (55.6) | 18 (66.7) | |
| Yes | 12 (44.4) | 9 (33.3) | |
| Played the season after injury, n, (%) | .236 | ||
| No | 0.0 (0.0) | 3 (11.1) | |
| Yes | 27 (100.0) | 24 (88.9) | |
| Months until return, mean ± SD | — | 11.3 ± 2.9 | — |
aBoldfaced entries indicate statistical significance. AFC, American Football Conference; BMI, body mass index; NFC, National Football Conference.