Joint and segmental mechanics differ between cutting maneuvers in skilled athletes

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Cutting maneuvers are essential in multidirectional sports but are linked to non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
• Increased cut angles heighten whole-body demands for deceleration and redirection, yet the specific joint and segmental mechanics involved remain unclear.
• Understanding these mechanics is crucial for developing effective injury prevention programs targeting cutting actions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how joint and segmental mechanics adapt to meet escalating deceleration and redirection demands during cutting maneuvers.
• To elucidate the relationship between whole-body mechanics, joint-level responses, and injury risk factors during cutting.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated lower limb and trunk kinematics and kinetics in 25 healthy soccer players performing 45- and 90-degree sidestep cuts.
• Employed a two-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to analyze differences between cut directions and sexes, controlling for approach velocity.
• Conducted post hoc analyses to identify specific joint and segmental mechanical adaptations.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in mechanics were observed between the 45- and 90-degree cuts, but not between sexes, after accounting for approach velocity.
• The increased demands of the 90-degree cut did not universally result in larger joint angles, moments, or power across all lower extremity joints.
• The knee joint, in the sagittal plane, appeared to be the primary structure accommodating the greater deceleration forces of the sharper cut.

Conclusions:

• The hip joint exhibits distinct roles during cutting at different angles, differing from previous understandings.
• A novel pattern of joint engagement in the sagittal and frontal planes during cutting has been identified.
• Findings suggest targeted training focusing on knee mechanics may be beneficial for preventing ACL injuries associated with cutting in sports.