Changes in the Kinematic and Kinetic Characteristics of Lunge Footwork during the Fatiguing Process

Abstract

Fatigue is a major injury risk factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fatigue on lunging during the fatiguing process. The lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics of fifteen male collegiate badminton players were simultaneously recorded by optical motion-capture and force plate systems during lunging. In addition to statistical analyses of discrete variables, one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping (SPM (1D)) was used to analyze the waveform data. The hypotheses were that the biomechanics of lunging maneuvers would change during the fatiguing process, and the fatigue effects would differ in different periods (I–V) of the stance phase and in different joints. Results showed that the initial contact angles, peak angles, moments, power, and time needed to reach the peak angles at the hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal plane all decreased post-fatigue. A continuous decreasing tendency was reflected in the moments and power of hip and, in particular, knee joints (mostly p < 0.001). Period IV showed a significant fatigue response. In conclusion, both discrete and waveform data illustrated the effects of fatigue, however, the results of SPM (1D) analysis showed both the key period and body segments affected by the fatigue response.