Gender differences among sagittal plane knee kinematic and ground reaction force characteristics during a rapid sprint and cut maneuver

Women are more prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during cutting sports than men. The purpose of this study was to examine knee kinematic and ground reaction forces (GRF) differences between genders during cutting. Male and female athletes performed cutting trials while force platform and video data were recorded (180 Hz). Differences (p £ .05) were observed between groups for knee flexion at contact and GRF at maximum knee flexion. Women averaged 5.8º less flexion at contact and 1.0 N·(kg·m·s-1) -1 greater GRF at maximum flexion. Knee range of motion and peak GRF variables were not significantly different, but women had greater values. Women exhibited technique characteristics believed to increase ACL injury risk, but men exhibiting similar characteristics were also observed and could also be at risk.
© Copyright 2004 Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). All rights reserved.

Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:strength and speed sports biological and medical sciences technical and natural sciences
Published in:Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
Language:English
Published: 2004
Edition:Reston 75 (2004) 1, S. 31-38, 2 Abb., 3 Tab., Lit.
Volume:75
Issue:1
Pages:31-38
Document types:article
Level:advanced