Lower Limbs Joint Loading – Case Study

Abstract

Injury prevention plays an important role in modern sport. The most commonly injured joint in male and female football players is the knee joint. It has been reported that approximately 60-85% of football injuries occur in the lower limbs. The aim of this study is to present the methods of biomechanical assessment of lower limbs joint loading during specific tasks (single leg squat (SLS) and single leg landing (SLL)). In this experimental setup, Qualisys Tracking Motion system synchronised with AMTII force plates embedded into the floor was used. The marker setup Salford Lower Limb model was used to track pelvis and lower body movements. By analysing biomechanical parameters (range of motion, internal moments, power, ground reaction forces) in all three planes it is possible to identify the structures and the imbalances of the lower extremity that need intervention and further decrease the possibility of injury to the knee and to evaluate an appropriate moment of return to play. This method showed a very high reproducibility and it can be considered as a reliable tool in assessing lower limb performance tasks.