The Biomechanical Analysis Of The Lower Limb In Maximal And Submaximal Cricket Fast Bowling

Abstract

Ankle injuries in cricket fast bowlers are of topical interest with a number of elite pace bowlers recently sustaining injuries. Previous biomechanical research has concentrated on the injury risk to the fast bowler's lumbar spine1 with no research focused on the ankle biomechanics of the cricket fast bowler and its predisposition to injury2 PURPOSE: To investigate the leading leg biomechanics and ankle joint moments in maximal and submaximal cricket fast bowling. METHODS: Ten fast-medium paced cricket bowlers of elite level had their ankle biomechanics assessed during their bowling action. Using a nine camera infra-red Vicon™ 612 motion analysis system linked to a Kistler™ 9281CA force platform the moments of the subjects leading leg during their delivery stride was analysed. Each subject performed ten trials at a maximal ball release speed (>97km/hr) and ten trials at a submaximal ball release speed (<97km/hr) with the speed of the ball tracked by a SR3600 radar gun. RESULTS: The average ankle plantar flexion peak moment in the maximal and submaximal ball release speed groups were found to be 2.008Nm/kg and 1.790Nm/kg respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The increased ankle plantar moment reflects the important role the ankle plays in the generation of extra ball release speed in the cricket fast bowler. However this role does place increased stress on the ankle which may predispose it to injury. This study suggests that ankle injuries play a significant role in the fast bowler's delivery action and post injury rehabilitation needs to take this into consideration. 1. Elliott B.C. (2000) Back Injuries and the Fast Bowler in Cricket, Journal of Sports Sciences 18, 983-991 2. Bartlett R.M. (2003) The Science and Medicine of Cricket: An Overview and Update, Journal of Sports Sciences 21, 733-752