ANKLE JOINT LOADING DURING THE DELIVERY STRIDE IN CRICKET MEDIUM- FAST BOWLING

Abstract

To date, biomechanical research investigating the aetiology of cricket injuries has studied the kinetics and kinematics of associated movements in isolation. The aim of this study was to apply inverse dynamics to investigate ankle joint forces during the delivery stride using four Basler 200 Hz cameras synchronised to two Kistler 9581B force plates with Peak Motus 9.2. Although peak ankle joint moment in the sagittal plane was greater for the front foot (mean: 3.21 ± 1.71 Nm⋅Kg-1) in relation to the back foot (mean: 1.70 ± 0.87 Nm⋅Kg-1); average rate of joint loading was 246% greater in the frontal plane for the back foot (mean: 1.11 ± 0.82 Nm⋅Kg-1⋅s-1) compared to the front foot (mean: 0.45 ± 0.20 Nm⋅Kg-1⋅s-1). Findings would suggest that whilst the front foot is prone to acute injuries, the back foot may be more susceptible to overuse injuries such as lateral ankle instability.