Gender differences in lower limb frontal plane kinematics during landing

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Knee valgus, characterized by inward knee movement, is a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
• Gender differences in lower extremity biomechanics during landing tasks are well-documented but require further investigation in specific athletic populations.
• Volleyball players are susceptible to knee injuries due to the dynamic nature of jumping and landing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-specific differences in knee valgus angle and inter-knee/inter-ankle distances during opposed block jump landings in university volleyball players.
• To explore the biomechanical factors contributing to gender differences in knee valgus during a sport-specific landing task.
• To provide insights for injury prevention strategies targeting knee valgus in volleyball athletes.

Main Methods:

• Three-dimensional motion analysis was employed to capture landing biomechanics.
• Six female and six male university volleyball players performed opposed block jump landings.
• Measurements included maximum knee valgus angle, range of motion, and inter-knee/inter-ankle distances (absolute and relative to height).

Main Results:

• Females exhibited significantly greater maximum knee valgus angle and range of motion compared to males.
• Females demonstrated smaller minimum absolute inter-knee distance and greater inter-knee displacement.
• Males showed greater absolute and relative inter-ankle displacement during landing.

Conclusions:

• Gender differences in knee valgus during landing are influenced by coupled movements of the knee and ankle joints.
• The findings suggest a higher risk of ligament strain in female volleyball players due to increased knee valgus.
• Coaches should implement training programs focusing on frontal plane control of both knee and ankle joints to reduce knee valgus and potentially lower ACL injury risk.