LOWER LIMB LANDING BIOMECHANICS ON NATURAL AND FOOTBALL TURF

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate variation in lower limb kinematics during jump landings on natural (NT) and artificial Football Turf (FT). One footballer performed 30 single leg jump landings, following a ball heading movement on NT and FT and immediately continued into a two-step forward run. Landing limb kinematics were recorded (200Hz) using CODA™ and cluster markers. There were similar knee and ankle touchdown kinematics and differing joint angle profiles throughout. FT landings showed greater knee flexion, adduction and internal rotation and reduced ankle eversion. During early impact, the ankle showed a tendency for greater plantar-flexion and inversion using FT compared to NT. These observations highlight a potential for altered lower limb kinematics on NT and FT which may be exaggerated during more demanding tasks and warrant further investigation.