Effect of Soccer Shoe Cleats on Knee Joint Loads

Abstract

Noncontact injuries frequently occur during soccer matches and training. The purpose of this study was to examine the influences of different soccer shoe studs to kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic parameters in the knee joint. Six male soccer players performed complex turning movements (180 degrees ) with bladed and round studded soccer shoes. Ground reaction forces, 3-D kinematics and electromyographic activity of the lower leg muscles were recorded. Calculated external knee joint moments were similar with both stud configurations, although there was a trend towards increased vertical and anterior-posterior ground reaction forces with blades. Electromyography evidenced significantly higher activation of m. quadriceps femoris (p = 0.02) with round studs during initial phase of stance. In conclusion, comparison of soccer shoes with round and bladed studs showed no significant differences in externally applied knee joint loads during a complex injury related movement. The significant increased activation of m. quadriceps femoris with round studs during the critical weight acceptance can be associated with an additional internal load on the anterior cruciate ligament. Therefore, results revealed no higher risk of getting noncontact knee joint injuries with bladed soccer shoes.