Knee and hip sagittal and transverse plane changes after two fatigue protocols

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Fatigue is known to impact lower extremity biomechanics during dynamic tasks like landing.
• Previous research has not compared the effects of different fatigue protocols on kinetics and kinematics.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for injury prevention in athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the biomechanical differences in hip and knee joints between two distinct fatigue protocols: Slow Linear Oxidative Fatigue Protocol (SLO-FP) and Functional Agility Short-Term Fatigue Protocol (FAST-FP).
• To assess kinematic and kinetic alterations during unanticipated sidestep cutting movements post-fatigue.

Main Methods:

• A single-group, repeated-measures design was employed.
• Fifteen female collegiate soccer players performed unanticipated sidestep cutting before and after two fatigue protocols (SLO-FP and FAST-FP).
• Hip and knee biomechanics were measured, and data were analyzed using 2x2 ANOVAs.

Main Results:

• The FAST-FP resulted in significantly increased knee internal rotation at initial contact compared to the SLO-FP.
• Post-fatigue analysis revealed decreased hip flexion and knee flexion angles during initial contact for both protocols.
• Both fatigue protocols substantially altered hip and knee mechanics during sidestep cutting.

Conclusions:

• Both SLO-FP and FAST-FP significantly alter hip and knee biomechanics during sidestep cutting.
• The FAST-FP appears to induce more pronounced changes in knee rotation compared to the SLO-FP.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering fatigue type when evaluating biomechanical performance and injury risk.