Ground reaction forces and knee kinetics during single and repeated badminton lunges

Repeated movement (RM) lunge that frequently executed in badminton might be used for footwear evaluation. This study examined the influence of single movement (SM) and RM lunges on the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and knee kinetics during the braking phase of a badminton lunge step. Thirteen male university badminton players performed left-forward lunges in both SM and RM sessions. Force platform and motion capturing system were used to measure GRFs and knee kinetics variables. Paired t-test was performed to determine any significant differences between SM and RM lunges regarding mean and coefficient of variation (CV) in each variable. The kinetics results indicated that compared to SM lunges, the RM lunges had shorter contact time and generated smaller maximum loading rate of impact force, peak knee anterior-posterior force, and peak knee sagittal moment but generated larger peak horizontal resultant forces (Ps < 0.05). Additionally, the RM lunges had lower CV for peak knee medial-lateral and vertical forces (Ps < 0.05). These results suggested that the RM testing protocols had a distinct loading response and adaptation pattern during lunge and that the RM protocol showed higher within-trial reliability, which may be beneficial for the knee joint loading evaluation under different interventions.     

Differences in impact characteristics,joint kinetics and measurement reliability between forehand and backhand forward badminton lunges

ABSTRACT

This study identified the effect of badminton lunging directions on impact characteristics, joint kinetics and measurement reliability. A total of 14 badminton players performed 20 lunges in both forehand and backhand sides. Ground reaction force (GRF) and three-dimensional joint moment variables were determined for further analyses. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed to determine any differences between the two lunge directions and intra-class correlation (ICC) and sequential averaging analysis (SAA) were used to estimate the minimum number of trials. Compared to the forehand side, participants experienced significantly larger total GRF impulse (+ 3.8%, p = 0.021) and transverse moment (hip + 63.5%, p < 0.001; knee + 80.7%, p = 0.011), but smaller hip (?7.7%), knee (?18.7%) and ankle frontal moments (?58.0%, p < 0.05) in backhand lunges. The minimum number of trials was similar for both lunge directions, as the averaged absolute differences was less than one in both ICC and SAA. Furthermore, smaller minimal number of trials was determined by the ICC (7.9–8.0), compared with the SAA approach (9.5–10.3). Lunge direction would influence GRF and joint loading, but not on the measurement reliability. These results give important insights to establish performance or equipment evaluation protocols during badminton lunges.     

女子羽毛球运动员后场击球后不同场区单脚落地的生物力学差异——基于三维加速度计的分析

为了探寻女子羽毛球运动员后场击球后单脚落地对膝关节前十字韧带损伤的影响,通过比较正手、反手场区头顶击球单脚落地时躯干加速度及运动变量的差异,寻求运动风险的变量因素。10名优秀女子羽毛球运动员穿戴三维加速计进行单打比赛,使用同步摄像机记录产生超过4g加速度的时刻,分析了加速度>4g时着陆点躯干倾斜角和髋关节外展角。结果显示:在头顶击球过程中,正手场区和反手场区的躯干侧弯及躯干加速度存在差异,反手区头顶击球时横向加速度大于正手区(P<0.05,es=0.706);反手场区单脚落地时躯干倾斜角(24°±7°)大于正手侧(17°±13°);正反手两侧躯干倾斜角均大于先前报道的受伤角度,反手侧的髋外展角(23°±11°)大于正手侧的髋外展角(-1°±8°);反手场区的3个轴的加速度与躯干侧弯、髋外展角度均呈显著相关性。反手场区头顶击球后,单脚落地姿势与前交叉韧带损伤的落地姿势相似,反手侧躯干过度侧弯和高风险落地姿势可能与羽毛球比赛中膝关节前十字韧带损伤有关。     

高水平女子羽毛球运动员下肢力量特征研究

通过对13名高水平女子羽毛球运动员进行下肢等速肌力测试,以及静态、行走、跑步、起跳、正反手跨弓步共5种运动状态的足底压力分析,发现:女子羽毛球运动员下肢肌群力量双侧较为均衡,髋部内收肌群、屈膝肌群、膝部内旋肌群、踝内旋肌群随运动速度加快而贡献程度不断增加;常速行走时左侧下肢用力自动化过程较敏感,双腿反向纵跳(CMJ)落地时右侧下肢承担了主要的缓冲负荷,单腿CMJ落地时左侧下肢离心负荷较右侧更大;反手区域步法受力高于正手区域,反手区域步法更多是足跟部受力,正手区域步法更多是足前部受力,限制下肢旋内运动的肌群均能影响常见步法的足内侧足底受力。     

A biomechanical analysis of common lunge tasks in badminton

Abstract

The lunge is regularly used in badminton and is recognized for the high physical demands it places on the lower limbs. Despite its common occurrence, little information is available on the biomechanics of lunging in the singles game. A video-based pilot study confirmed the relatively high frequency of lunging, ～15% of all movements, in competitive singles games. The biomechanics and performance characteristics of three badminton-specific lunge tasks (kick, step-in, and hop lunge) were investigated in the laboratory with nine experienced male badminton players. Ground reaction forces and kinematic data were collected and lower limb joint kinetics calculated using an inverse dynamics approach. The step-in lunge was characterized by significantly lower mean horizontal reaction force at drive-off and lower mean peak hip joint power than the kick lunge. The hop lunge resulted in significantly larger mean reaction forces during loading and drive-off phases, as well as significantly larger mean peak ankle joint moments and knee and ankle joint powers than the kick or step-in lunges. These findings indicate that, within the setting of this investigation, the step-in lunge may be beneficial for reducing the muscular demands of lunge recovery and that the hop lunge allows for higher positive power output, thereby presenting an efficient lunging method.     

羽毛球典型步法中下肢关节生物力学特征分析

采用即时红外高速摄影技术及三维测力台同步采集7名优秀羽毛球运动员蹬跨步上网接球动作的三维运动学及动力学数据,并计算各关节角参量、力矩和下肢关节肌群功率变化特征。研究结果表明：髋关节屈肌群、膝关节伸肌群、踝关节屈肌群的快速做功能力对羽毛球运动中蹬跨步上网具有极其重要的影响。同时,膝关节屈肌群的能力对跨步蹬跨步上网避免股后肌群的损伤具有不可忽视的作用,在训练中要加强对股后肌群的专项化力量训练。     

Mid-flight lateral trunk bending increased ipsilateral leg loading during landing: a center of mass analysis

Increased lateral trunk bending to the injured side has been observed when ACL injuries occur. The purpose was to quantify the effect of mid-flight lateral trunk bending on center of mass (COM) positions and subsequent landing mechanics during a jump-landing task. Forty-one recreational athletes performed a jump-landing task with or without mid-flight lateral trunk bending. When the left and right trunk bending conditions were compared with the no trunk bending condition, participants moved the COM of the upper body to the bending direction, while the COM of the pelvis, ipsilateral leg, and contralateral leg moved away from the bending direction relative to the whole body COM. Participants demonstrated increased peak vertical ground reaction forces (VGRF) and knee valgus and internal rotation angles at peak VGRF for the ipsilateral leg, but decreased peak VGRF and knee internal rotation angles at peak VGRF and increased knee varus angles at peak VGRF for the contralateral leg. Mid-flight lateral trunk resulted in an asymmetric landing pattern associated with increased ACL loading for the ipsilateral leg. The findings may help to understand altered trunk motion during ACL injury events and the discrepancy in ACL injuries related to limb dominance in badminton and volleyball.     

Study of mechanical characteristics of the knee extensor and flexor musculature of volleyball players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyse differences in muscle response and mechanical characteristics of the vastus medialis, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris in elite volleyball players of both sexes using tensiomyography. To this end, 47 players of nine nationalities playing for teams in the men's and women's Spanish Superleagues were assessed. The sample comprised 22 women (age 24.6±4.3 years; weight 72.14±10.06 kg; height 178.40±8.50 cm) and 25 men (age 25.0±4.3 years; weight 88.76±9.07 kg; height 194.71±7.84 cm). Tensiomyography was used to assess muscular response and muscular mechanical characteristics. For this purpose, the following variables were analysed: maximum radial displacement of muscle belly and normalized response speed. The findings show, both in men and women, a higher normalized response speed score in the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis compared with the rectus femoris and biceps femoris. A marked lateral symmetry of maximum radial displacement of the muscle belly was also observed in the musculature of the lower limbs, with no statistically significant differences being detected in either men or women. There were, however, clear differences in terms of normalized response speed between male and female volleyball players: women displayed a more pronounced difference in the normalized response speed of the musculature responsible for extension (vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis) and flexion (biceps femoris) of the knee joint than men. Moreover, tensiomyography proved to be a highly sensitive tool for detecting such changes.     

Biomechanical insights into the determinants of speed in the fencing lunge

For fencing, speed of the lunge is considered critical to success. The aim of this study is to investigate determinants of lunge speed based on biomechanics. Ground reaction force (GRF) and three-dimensional kinematic data were collected from 7 elite fencers and 12 intermediate-level fencers performing maximum-effort lunges. The results showed that elite fencers acquired a higher horizontal peak velocity of the centre of gravity (HPV) and concomitantly a higher horizontal peak GRF exerted by rear leg (PGRF) than intermediate-level fencers (P?P?P?P?≤?.05). Our findings suggest that training aimed at enhancing strength and power of rear knee extensors is important for fencers to improve speed of the lunge. Also, increasing the extension of rear knee during the lunge, at the same time decreasing the flexion of the forward knee before extension are positive for lunge performance.     

Trunk rotation torques through the hip joints during the one- and two-handed backhand tennis strokes

The aim of the present study was to compare kinetically the roles of the lower extremities in generating trunk rotation in the tennis one-handed and two-handed backhand strokes. Fourteen male collegiate tennis players, seven with a preference for the one- and seven with a preference for the two-handed technique, were recruited as participants. The motion of each backhand stroke was filmed using two high-speed cine-cameras, and the ground reaction forces on the feet were measured separately using two force platforms to determine the joint moments and joint reaction forces at the hip, knee and ankle joints. A significant difference in hip joint moments between the two types of stroke was found in the phase from the start of forward rotation of the pelvis to the start of racket forward movement. For trunk rotation, the one-handed backhand players exerted a large joint moment in the front leg, whereas the two-handed backhand players exerted a large joint moment in the back leg. The exertion of a large hip joint moment in the latter stroke was comparable with the exertion in a forehand stroke reported previously.     

Trunk rotation torques through the hip joints during the one- and two-handed backhand tennis strokes

The aim of the present study was to compare kinetically the roles of the lower extremities in generating trunk rotation in the tennis one-handed and two-handed backhand strokes. Fourteen male collegiate tennis players, seven with a preference for the one- and seven with a preference for the two-handed technique, were recruited as participants. The motion of each backhand stroke was filmed using two high-speed cine-cameras, and the ground reaction forces on the feet were measured separately using two force platforms to determine the joint moments and joint reaction forces at the hip, knee and ankle joints. A significant difference in hip joint moments between the two types of stroke was found in the phase from the start of forward rotation of the pelvis to the start of racket forward movement. For trunk rotation, the one-handed backhand players exerted a large joint moment in the front leg, whereas the two-handed backhand players exerted a large joint moment in the back leg. The exertion of a large hip joint moment in the latter stroke was comparable with the exertion in a forehand stroke reported previously.     

The effect of low back pain on trunk muscle size/function and hip strength in elite football (soccer) players

ABSTRACT

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem in football (soccer) players. The effect of LBP on the trunk and hip muscles in this group is unknown. The relationship between LBP and trunk muscle size and function in football players across the preseason was examined. A secondary aim was to assess hip muscle strength. Twenty-five elite soccer players participated in the study, with assessments conducted on 23 players at both the start and end of the preseason. LBP was assessed with questionnaires and ultrasound imaging was used to assess size and function of trunk muscles at the start and end of preseason. Dynamometry was used to assess hip muscle strength at the start of the preseason. At the start of the preseason, 28% of players reported the presence of LBP and this was associated with reduced size of the multifidus, increased contraction of the transversus abdominis and multifidus muscles. LBP decreased across the preseason, and size of the multifidus muscle improved over the preseason. Ability to contract the abdominal and multifidus muscles did not alter across the preseason. Asymmetry in hip adductor and abductor muscle strength was found between players with and without LBP. Identifying modifiable factors in players with LBP may allow development of more targeted preseason rehabilitation programmes.     

Loading differences in single-leg landing in the forehand- and backhand-side courts after an overhead stroke in badminton: A novel tri-axial accelerometer research

ABSTRACT

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in badminton commonly occur during single-leg landing after an overhead stroke in the backhand-side court. This study compared differences in trunk acceleration and kinematic variables during single-leg landing in the forehand- and backhand-side courts after an overhead stroke. Eighteen female junior badminton players performed two singles games while wearing a tri-axial accelerometer. The moment that over 4g of resultant acceleration was generated was determined using synchronised video cameras. Trunk lateral inclination and hip abduction angles at the point of landing with over 4g of resultant acceleration were analysed. Mediolateral acceleration in the backhand-side court was greater than that in the opposite-side court (p < 0.001, ES = 0.840). Both trunk lateral angles were larger than those previously reported in injured participants and the hip abduction angle in the backhand-side court was larger than that in the forehand-side court (p < 0.001, ES = 2.357). The lateral and vertical acceleration in the backhand-side court showed moderate-to-strong correlations with the trunk and hip angles. The mediolateral physical demand and high-risk posture in the backhand-side court may be associated with a higher incidence of knee injuries during badminton games.     

青少年男子篮球运动员膝关节等速肌力特征研究

通过对36名二级青少年男子篮球运动员双侧膝关节进行等速测试,探析青少年篮球运动员膝关节向心屈伸肌群的生物力学特性,为运动训练、科学选材及临床康复等提供理论依据.方法:利用 Kinitech等速康复肌力测试系统,对青少年男子篮球运动员膝关节屈伸肌群进行等速测试.结果表明:青少年男子篮球运动员双侧膝关节屈伸峰力矩随测试速度的增加呈递减趋势,且膝伸肌大于膝屈肌(P<0.05),峰力矩屈伸比(F/E)随给定测试速度的增加呈递增趋势;最大功率随测试速度的增大而增加,同一测试速度下屈、伸肌群最大功率无明显差异,左、右侧相比也无显著性差异(60°/s伸肌除外);屈伸肌群达峰力矩的角度(APT)表现为伸肌角度明显低于屈肌角度,随速度增加左右两侧膝关节达峰力矩的角度无显著差异;双侧膝关节屈伸肌群达峰力矩的时间(TPT)随测试速度的增加而减小,同一测试速度下伸肌达峰力矩的时间大于屈肌;右侧膝关节屈肌相对峰力矩(PT/BM)与下肢形态学指标表现出不同程度的正相关.本研究结论,青少年男子篮球运动员膝关节峰力矩变化规律与成年人相一致,但左右侧膝关节屈伸肌群做功能力发展不平衡,屈伸肌群运动达峰力矩角度、达峰力矩的时间存在显著差异.     

Effects of forefoot bending stiffness of badminton shoes on agility,comfort perception and lower leg kinematics during typical badminton movements

This study investigated whether an increase in the forefoot bending stiffness of a badminton shoe would positively affect agility, comfort and biomechanical variables during badminton-specific movements. Three shoe conditions with identical shoe upper and sole designs with different bending stiffness (Flexible, Regular and Stiff) were used. Elite male badminton players completed an agility test on a standard badminton court involving consecutive lunges in six directions, a comfort test performed by a pair of participants conducting a game-like practice trial and a biomechanics test involving a random assignment of consecutive right forward lunges. No significant differences were found in agility time and biomechanical variables among the three shoes. The players wearing the shoe with a flexible forefoot outsole demonstrated a decreased perception of comfort in the forefoot cushion compared to regular and stiffer conditions during the comfort test (p < 0.05). The results suggested that the modification of forefoot bending stiffness would influence individual perception of comfort but would not influence performance and lower extremity kinematics during the tested badminton-specific tasks. It was concluded that an optimisation of forefoot structure and materials in badminton shoes should consider the individual’s perception to maximise footwear comfort in performance.     

A biomechanical investigation of right-forward lunging step among badminton players

This study presents the kinematics and plantar pressure characteristics of eight elite national-level badminton athletes and eight recreational college-level badminton players while performing a right-forward lunge movement in a laboratory-simulated badminton court. The hypothesis was that recreational players would be significantly different from elite players in kinematics and plantar pressure measures. Vicon^® motion capture and Novel^® insole plantar pressure measurement were simultaneously taken to record the lower extremity kinematics and foot loading during stance. Recreational players showed significantly higher peak pressure in the lateral forefoot (P = 0.002) and force time integral in the lateral forefoot (P = 0.013) and other toes (P = 0.005). Elite athletes showed higher peak pressure in the medial forefoot (P = 0.003), hallux (P = 0.037) and force time integral in the medial forefoot (P = 0.009). The difference in landing techniques for the lunge step between elite athletes and recreational players was observed with peak ankle eversion (?38.2°±2.4° for athletes and ?11.1°±3.9° for players, P = 0.015); smaller knee range of motion in the coronal and transverse planes, with differences in peak knee adduction (28.9°±6.8° for athletes and 15.7°±6.2° for players, P = 0.031); peak knee internal rotation (20.3°±1.3° for athletes and 11.8°±3.2° for players, P = 0.029) and peak hip flexion (77.3°±4.1° for athletes and 91.3°±9.3° for players, P = 0.037).     

Metabolic demand and muscle damage induced by eccentric cycling of knee extensor and flexor muscles

The aim of this study was to examine the metabolic demand and extent of muscle damage of eccentric cycling targeting knee flexor (FLEX) and knee extensor (EXT) muscles. Methods: Eight sedentary men (23.3?±?0.7?y) underwent two eccentric cycling sessions (EXT and FLEX) of 30?min each, at 60% of the maximum power output. Oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR) and rated perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during cycling. Countermovement and squat jumps (CMJ and SJ), muscle flexibility, muscle soreness and pain pressure threshold (PPT) of knee extensor and flexor muscles were measured before, immediately after and 1–4 days after cycling. Results: FLEX showed greater VO₂ (+23%), HR (+14%) and RPE (+18%) than EXT. CMJ and SJ performance decreased similarly after cycling. Muscle soreness increased more after EXT than FLEX and PPT decreased in knee extensor muscles after EXT and decreased in knee flexor muscles after FLEX. Greater loss of muscle flexibility in knee flexor muscles after FLEX was observed. Conclusion: Eccentric cycling of knee flexor muscles is metabolically more demanding than that of knee extensors, however muscle damage induced is similar. Knee flexors experienced greater loss of muscle flexibility possibly due to increased muscle stiffness following eccentric contractions.     

Torque–velocity characteristics and contractile rate of force development in elite badminton players

Abstract

Elite badminton requires muscular endurance combined with appropriate maximal and explosive muscle strength. The musculature of the lower extremities is especially important in this context since rapid and forceful movements with the weight of the body are performed repeatedly throughout a match. In the present study, we examined various leg-strength parameters of 35 male elite badminton players who had been performing resistance exercises as part of their physical training for several years. The badminton players were compared with an age-matched reference group, the members of whom were physically active on a recreational basis, and to the same reference group after they had performed resistance training for 14 weeks. Maximal muscle strength of the knee extensor (quadriceps) and flexor muscles (hamstrings) was determined using isokinetic dynamometry. To measure explosive muscle strength, the contractile rate of force development was determined during maximal isometric muscle contractions. In general, the badminton players showed greater maximal muscle strength and contractile rate of force development than the reference group: mean quadriceps peak torque during slow concentric contraction: 3.69 Nm · kg^?1, s=0.08 vs. 3.26 Nm · kg^?1, s=0.8 (P<0.001); mean hamstring peak torque during slow concentric contraction: 1.86 Nm · kg^?1, s=0.04 vs. 1.63 Nm · kg^?1, s=0.04 (P<0.001); mean quadriceps rate of force development at 100 ms: 24.4 Nm · s^?1·kg^?1, s=0.5 vs. 22.1 Nm·s^?1 · kg^?1, s=0.6 (P<0.05); mean hamstring rate of force development at 100 ms: 11.4 Nm · s^?1·kg^?1, s=0.3 vs. 8.9 Nm · s^?1 · kg^?1, s=0.4 (P<0.05). However, after 14 weeks of resistance training the reference group achieved similar isometric and slow concentric muscle strength as the badminton players, although the badminton players still had a higher isometric rate of force development and muscle strength during fast (240° · s^?1) quadriceps contractions. Large volumes of concurrent endurance training could have attenuated the long-term development of maximal muscle strength in the badminton players. The badminton players had a higher contractile rate of force development than the reference group before and after resistance training. Greater explosive muscle strength in the badminton players might be a physiological adaptation to their badminton training.     

世界优秀羽毛球女子双打运动员发接发技战术特征分析

目的对世界前5名优秀羽毛球女子双打运动员在2019年世界羽毛球锦标赛1/4决赛、半决赛及决赛中的发接发技战术运用进行数据分析,旨在为羽毛球运动员的多元化发展方向提供思路。方法文献资料法、录像统计法、数理统计法等。结果发球大部分以反手发网前场1号区为主,并以前场5号区、后场4号区及6号区为辅助进行技战术相结合的发球方式;接发球过程中,女子双打运动员如遇到对手反手发网前球,接发球方则以推压、扑球为主,其次是抢搓、拨及挑球,如遇到对手发反手后场球,接发球方则以杀球为主,其次高远球、吊球与之配合使用。结论运动员在加强训练的同时,也要研究其他国家优秀组合的打法,做到科学训练,让技术全面发展、娴熟多变。     

Fatigue increases ankle sprain risk in badminton players: A biomechanical study

ABSTRACT

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in regular badminton players and usually occur at the end of a match or training. The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of fatigue produced by badminton practice on the lower limb biomechanics of badminton players. It was hypothesized that fatigue induces ankle kinematic and lower leg muscle activity changes which may increase the risk of ankle sprain. Ankle kinematics, ankle kinetics and muscles activities of 17 regular badminton players were recorded during lateral jumps before and after an intense badminton practice session. Post-fatigue, ankle inversion at foot strike and peak ankle inversion increased (+2.6°, p = 0.003 and +2.5°, p = 0.005, respectively). EMG pre-activation within 100 ms before foot landing significantly decreased after fatigue for soleus (?23.4%, p = 0.031), gastrocnemius lateralis (?12.2%, p = 0.035), gastrocnemius medialis (?23.3%, p = 0.047) and peroneus brevis (?17.4%, p = 0.036). These results demonstrate impaired biomechanics of badminton players when fatigue increases, which may cause a greater risk of experiencing an ankle sprain injury.