ANKLE AND KNEE COORDINATION FOR SINGLE-LEGGED VERTICAL JUMPING COMPARED TO RUNNING

Abstract

Similar basic movement patterns in ground reaction forces and ankle frontal plane kinematics of single-legged vertical jumping (JUMP) compared to running (RUN) have already been identified in earlier investigations. To broaden these findings, lower extremity kinematics of 25 subjects were recorded executing RUN and JUMP. Special focus was laid on the knee and ankle coordination of tibial endorotation and ankle eversion as well as on knee and ankle flexion/extension by applying a modified vector coding technique. RUN and JUMP demonstrated similar knee and ankle joint coordination patterns. However, differences in coupling angles unveiled phases, where joint coordination of ankle eversion/tibial endorotation was adjusted in JUMP. By comparing knee and ankle coordination of JUMP in healthy athletes with athletes suffering from anterior knee pain, common in sports with high jumping occurrences, key differences in execution leading to this overuse injury might be unveiled.