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Can technique modification training reduce knee moments in a landing task?
Alasdair R Dempsey1, Bruce C Elliott, Bridget J Munro
1School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, and with the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|October 23, 2013
Summary
Training athletes in specific landing techniques increased knee internal rotation moments, potentially raising anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. However, the altered landing angle may reduce this risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represent a significant burden in team sports.
- Previous research indicates that modifying sidestep techniques can reduce knee loading.
- The impact of landing technique modification on knee joint moments requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if specific landing technique training alters knee moments in team sport athletes.
- To assess the effects of a 6-week technique modification program on knee joint loading during landing.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen team sport athletes participated in the study.
- Motion analysis and ground reaction forces were collected pre- and post-intervention.
- An inverse dynamic model calculated three-dimensional knee loading parameters.
Main Results:
- Maximal knee flexion angle during landing significantly increased after training.
- No significant changes were observed in knee valgus or flexion moments.
- A significant increase in peak internal rotation moment was detected post-training.
Conclusions:
- Landing technique training resulted in increased peak internal rotation moments.
- This increase may theoretically elevate anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk.
- However, the greater knee flexion angle at peak moment may mitigate injury risk by altering load transmission.
