Abstract
BackgroundBadminton players often perform powerful and long-distance lunges during such competitive matches. The objective of this study is to compare the plantar loads of three one-step maximum forward lunges in badminton.MethodsFifteen right-handed male badminton players participated in the study. Each participant performed five successful maximum lunges at three directions. For each direction, the participant wore three different shoe brands. Plantar loading, including peak pressure, maximum force, and contact area, was measured by using an insole pressure measurement system. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was employed to determine the effects of the different lunge directions and different shoes, as well as the interaction of these two variables, on the measurements.ResultsThe maximum force (MF) on the lateral midfoot was lower when performing left-forward lunges than when performing front-forward lunges (p = 0.006, 95% CI = −2.88 to −0.04%BW). The MF and peak pressures (PP) on the great toe region were lower for the front-forward lunge than for the right-forward lunge (MF, p = 0.047, 95% CI = −3.62 to −0.02%BW; PP, p = 0.048, 95% CI = −37.63 to −0.16 KPa) and left-forward lunge (MF, p = 0.015, 95% CI = −4.39 to −0.38%BW; PP, p = 0.008, 95% CI = −47.76 to −5.91 KPa).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that compared with the front-forward lunge, left and right maximum forward lunges induce greater plantar loads on the great toe region of the dominant leg of badminton players. The differences in the plantar loads of the different lunge directions may be potential risks for injuries to the lower extremities of badminton players.
Highlights
Badminton is a popular non-contact racket sport that requires athletes to perform jumps, lunges, quick directional changes, and rapid arm movements from a wide variety of postural positions [1]
The maximum force (MF) on the lateral midfoot was lower when performing left-forward lunges than when performing front-forward lunges (p = 0.006, 95% CI = −2.88 to −0.04% body weight (BW))
The MF and peak pressures (PP) on the great toe region were lower for the front-forward lunge than for the right-forward lunge (MF, p = 0.047, 95% CI = −3.62 to −0.02%BW; PP, p = 0.048, 95% CI = −37.63 to −0.16 KPa) and left-forward lunge (MF, p = 0.015, 95% CI = −4.39 to −0.38%BW; PP, p = 0.008, 95% CI = −47.76 to −5.91 KPa)
Summary
Badminton is a popular non-contact racket sport that requires athletes to perform jumps, lunges, quick directional changes, and rapid arm movements from a wide variety of postural positions [1]. Sudden stop-and-go maneuvers, such as rapid and repetitive lunge steps that involve strenuous impact during heel contact, produce variable loads on the lower extremities and could induce injuries in this part of the body [7]. Fu et al found that plantar pressure is concentrated in the heel and the lateral foot during forward lunges [8] Among these biomechanical factors, repetitively high plantar pressure is a potential factor for sports-related injuries to the lower extremities [10]. Identifying the impact forces and plantar pressure distribution characteristics during lunges at different directions may help reveal the risk factors related to sports injuries. Badminton players often perform powerful and long-distance lunges during such competitive matches.
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