EFFECT OF PLAYING SURFACE ON KINEMATIC MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF KNEE AND ANKLE IN FEMALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of playing surface on kinematic movement patterns of knee and ankle. Eight female university football players performed 16 unanticipated cutting movements on each surface (natural turf; 3G artificial turf). Kinematic data of knee and ankle joint were collected. Comparisons between the surfaces showed no differences at the ankle joint. However, significantly higher values of knee internal rotation were observed on natural turf. Additionally, effect sizes showed a consistent tendency of higher knee valgus on natural turf. These findings indicate an influence of playing surface on kinematic movement pattern of the knee joint in the frontal and transverse plane.