Determining the effect of cricket leg guards on running performance
James Webster1, Jonathan Roberts
1Sports Technology Institute, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK. j.m.f.webster@lboro.ac.uk
Journal of Sports Sciences
|March 19, 2011
Summary
Cricket leg guards significantly slow down players, increasing run times by up to 0.5 seconds. Pad design, not just weight, impacts running performance, affecting stride and increasing injury risk.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Cricket Performance Analysis
Background:
- Modern cricket prioritizes rapid scoring in limited-over formats.
- Players report cricket leg guards restrict movement.
- Protective equipment, including leg guards, is mandatory in cricket.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the impact of cricket leg guards on running performance.
- To investigate the biomechanical factors contributing to any observed changes in running.
- To determine if pad design influences running impedance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of running performance with and without leg guards.
- Biomechanical analysis of running kinematics, stride parameters, and ground reaction forces.
- Testing involved completing three runs to measure time differences.
Main Results:
- Wearing leg guards increased 3-run times by up to 0.5 seconds (P < 0.05).
- The widest leg guards most significantly altered running kinematics, shortening stride length and increasing stride width.
- Pads increased braking forces and mediolateral forces, reducing propulsive force.
Conclusions:
- Cricket leg guards demonstrably impede running performance.
- Pad design is a critical factor in the degree of performance reduction.
- Impeded running increases the risk of run-outs and limits scoring potential.
