Comparison of Different Cutting Modes on Knee Joint Loading of Non-Pivot Leg in Female Basketball Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the three different cutting modes on knee joint loading of non-pivot leg in female basketball players. Eighteen female basketball players from senior high school division I (height: 167.7 ± 5.0 cm, weight: 60.4 ± 5.6 kg, basketball experience: 7.1 ± 1.2 yrs) were participated in this study. The Vicon Motion System, Kistler force platform, and Biovision EMG system were synchronously employed to collect the data. The landing time of the non-pivot leg was normalized to 100%, and the kinematic and kinetic data were analyzed for this period. The results indicated that the peak value of the internal rotation torque was the highest when stopping with a single leg. Besides, when the peak value of the internal torque occurred, the flexion angle was the smallest while stopping with a single leg. Moreover, stopping with a single leg and with both legs had a low level of muscle co-contraction. We concluded that the highest peak value in internal rotation torque and lower co-contraction level of quadriceps on the hamstring muscles occurred on the non-pivot leg, while stopping with a single leg. These findings suggest that if players must stop with a single leg, they should change their landing strategy to increase the flexion angle of the knee. In addition, players should strengthen their hamstring muscle to decrease the possibility of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.