The Influence of Knee Motion on Pivoting Tasks in Soccer Agility Tests

Abstract

Objective

An anterior cruciate ligament injury is one of the most prevalent knee injuries which mostly happen during non-contact maneuver such as agility tasks. Agility tasks are the basic component of every soccer training program; therefore defining the risk factors to ACL is an effective way to prevent ACL injuries in soccer. Pivoting activities are frequently used in agility tasks, and increase the risk of ACL injuries. 

Material and Methods

Two groups of elite and sub-elite soccer players preformed 45, 90 and 180 degree turns. Right and left knee angles were analyzed using Vicon motion analysis system during these tasks for the two groups of participants.

Results

Right and left knee of both groups flexed during 45, 90 and 180 degree turn. The left knee of participant in 90 degree turn extended and then flexed again. The knee flexions for elite players were higher than sub-elite groups. Comparing knee flexion in elite players showed that the knee flexion was highest in 180 degree turn and lowest in 90 degree pivot.

Conclusion

Significant decrease in knee flexion of sub-elite subjects compared to elite players might have important contributing roles in the higher non-contact ACL injury rates, since more loads is experienced by knee as knee flexion decreases.