THE EFFECT OF ,FATIGUE ON SINGLE-LEG HOP BIOMECHANICS

Abstract

The single-leg hop is a commonly-used clinical test for patients with knee pathology (e.g. ACL injury). There is currently little information in the literature regarding the biomechanics of this test. However, studies of drop-landings have shown that substantial extensor moments are needed at the hip, knee and ankle to balance and support the body upon ground contact. (Decker et ai., 2003) Total support moment represents the total extensor pattern of the lower extremity to support the body and has been used previously to measure support and balance strategies during the single-limb stance phase of gait. (Winter et al., 1990) When applied to the single-leg hop, this concept may prove useful in analyzing changes in support strategies due to fatigue or injury. The purpose of this study was to compare landing support strategies of the lower extremity before and after fatigue.