Differences In Lower Extremity Kinematics Research Articles

Differences in lower extremity kinematics during single-leg lateral drop landing of healthy individuals, injured but asymptomatic patients, and patients with chronic ankle instability- a cross-sectional observational study.

The lower-extremity kinematics associated with forward jump landing after an ankle injury is known to differ for patients with Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI), copers (injured but asymptomatic patients), and healthy individuals. However, the differences in the lower extremity kinematics of these groups associated with a Single-leg Lateral Drop Landing (SLDL) are unknown. The purpose of this study is to characterize the lower limb and foot kinematics during SLDL in CAI patients and to compare these characteristics with those of the copers and healthy individuals. This was a cross-sectional observational study. Nineteen participants, each, were selected from the CAI, Coper, and control groups. The lower-extremity kinematics during SLDL was measured using three-dimensional motion analysis over an interval progressing from 200 ms before landing to 200 ms after landing. Either one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the attributes of the respective groups, with each parameter measured every 10 ms. The maximum values and excursions of the parameters were established over time intervals progressing from 200 ms before landing to 200 ms after landing. Significant observations were subjected to post hoc analysis. Compared to the Coper group, the CAI group exhibited significantly smaller hip adduction angles at 160 ms, ankle dorsiflexion angles in the 110-150 ms interval, and maximum ankle dorsiflexion angles after landing. Compared to the control group, the CAI group exhibited significantly smaller excursions of MH inversion/eversion after landing. Our findings confirm the necessity of focusing on the kinematics of hip adduction/abduction and plantar/dorsiflexion during SLDL in evaluating patients with ankle injuries.

Sex-Based Differences in Lower Extremity Kinematics During Dynamic Jump Landing Tasks After Neuromuscular Fatigue of the Hip Extensors and Knee Flexors.

Neuromuscular fatigue can increase the activation of antagonist muscles, thereby reducing the moment produced by the agonist. During the deceleration phase of landing, hip extensor and knee flexor muscles contract eccentrically to counteract the external hip flexion moment. Decreased hip flexion is associated with greater knee extensor moments and risk of injury. To investigate sex-based differences in kinematics and muscle activity after neuromuscular fatigue of the hip extensors and knee flexors during dynamic single-leg tasks. Controlled laboratory study. In this study, 9 female (age, 22.3 ± 3.4 years) and 7 male participants (age, 21.3 ± 2.6 years) completed the triple hop (THop) for distance and single-leg drop-jump (SJump) tasks before and after a fatigue protocol consisting of eccentric hip extension and knee flexion. Motion capture and electromyography were used to compare lower extremity kinematics and muscular activation between the sexes. During the THop, neuromuscular fatigue resulted in significantly decreased maximum hip flexion angles (P = .01), maximum knee flexion angles (P = .039), and an effect of sex on all hip flexion angles, where both sexes saw decreased hip flexion postfatigue (P = .033). A significant interaction of fatigue and sex on hip flexion angular velocity was observed during the SJump, indicating that men experienced an increase while women experienced a decrease in hip flexion angular velocities due to fatigue (P = .03). Gluteus maximus activation was increased, and erector spinae activation was decreased postfatigue in women during the THop (P = .053 and P = .023, respectively). Results indicate that men and women compensated differently after fatigue of the hip extensors and knee flexors. Women more commonly assumed an erect landing posture associated with increased injury risk after fatigue of the hip extensors and knee flexors.

Lower-extremity kinematics and kinetics differ based on drop vertical jump variation: An assessment of methodology for a return-to-play protocol using motion analysis

BackgroundThe drop vertical jump (DVJ) is commonly used in return-to-play evaluations to assess movement quality and risk during a dynamic task. However, across biomechanics literature, a multitude of DVJ variations have been used, influencing the generalizability and potential interpretation of the reported findings. Research questionThe purpose of this study was to identify differences in lower extremity kinematics and kinetics between DVJ variations that differ based on horizontal jump distance, verbal instructions, and the use of a jump target. MethodsA single-group repeated measures design was used in a laboratory setting. Twenty participants were tested, and three-dimensional angles and moments of the pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle were computed. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were performed to determine differences between DVJ variations. ResultsReduced knee flexion at initial contact and greater knee extensor moments across the descent phase were observed with increased horizontal jump distance. Additionally, both verbal instructions and a jump target influenced movement strategies at the pelvis, hip, and knee. Ground reaction forces were found to be similar across conditions and jump height following the first landing increased with a target. SignificanceAlthough subtle, the biomechanical differences observed between task variations emphasize the importance of standardizing motion analysis protocols for research and clinical decision-making. Given the findings of the current study, the authors recommend using the Half Height variation in patients treated for a knee injury as it will likely be the most indicative of movement quality.

ACL Research Retreat IX March 17–19, 2022 High Point, NC

ACL Research Retreat IX March 17–19, 2022 High Point, NC

Differences in Lower Extremity Kinematics Based On Drop Vertical Jump Task Variations

Background: More advanced measures of movement quality may be necessary to better estimate return-to-play readiness. This emphasizes the need for a standardized motion analysis protocol to capture patients’ biomechanics during dynamic tasks, such as the drop vertical jump (DVJ). Given that the DVJ elicits a dynamic, game-like movement, it is commonly used in return-to-play functional testing and injury-risk research. However, the task procedure is not consistent across treatment and/or research centers. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether variations in jump distance, verbal instructions, or target use would influence mechanics during a DVJ task. Methods: Fourteen healthy subjects (7 female, aged 22.7±3.7 years) were asked to perform six DVJ tasks from a 31cm plyo-box. Lower extremity kinematics were collected during the first landing/takeoff phase. Three tasks varied by jump distance (distance from box to center of force plates): zero distance (DROP), one-third (THIRD) and one-half (HALF) subject height. Additional verbal instructions were provided for the DROP task. Specifically, subjects were asked to first “drop off the box onto the force plates” (DROP), and then to “slightly bend their knees to ‘pop-off’ the box with both feet at the same time” (POP). Lastly, a target was positioned above the force plates for the HALF (H-TAR). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed to assess differences between tasks ( α=0.05). Results: At initial contact (IC), knee flexion increased in the DROP (24.0˚±18.4˚, p=0.011) and THIRD (16.3˚±7.9, p=0.005) compared to the HALF (12.0˚±6.8˚). During the landing phase, maximum hip flexion increased in the HALF (106.0˚±27.5˚) compared to the DROP (100.6˚±25.0˚, p=0.011). Average pelvic tilt decreased in the DROP (32.1˚±4.8) compared to both the POP (37.8˚±5.7˚, p=0.009) and THIRD (34.5˚±6.2˚, p=0.008). When using a target, knee flexion increased at IC during the H-TAR (H-TAR:18.8˚±8.8˚, HALF:12.0˚±6.8˚, p=0.004). Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of understanding movement strategies associated with different variations of the DVJ. Specifically, a shift in landing strategy was seen as box distance increased. Therefore, the DROP may be more appropriate early in rehabilitation given that maximum hip flexion was reduced. In contrast, the HALF may be more appropriate for return-to-sport testing given that patients would exhibit improved neuromuscular motor control. These findings also highlight the need for standardized instructions and task setup. While this pilot data was collected in young adults, future work will need to focus on evaluating these task variations in a youth population. [Table: see text]

Differences in Lower Extremity Kinematics Between Collegiate and Youth Softball Pitchers.

Background:Softball pitching is a whole-body motion that utilizes the kinetic chain to transfer the large amounts of force generated by the lower extremity to the ball. Although the lower extremity is responsible for generating most of the force in softball pitching, limited research has investigated how lower extremity kinematics vary with age.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity kinematics between collegiate and youth softball pitchers. It was hypothesized that there would be significant lower extremity kinematic differences between age groups.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Overall, 83 softball pitchers participated in the study: 40 youth and 43 collegiate players. Kinematic data were collected using an electromagnetic motion capture system. All participants threw 3 fastballs to a catcher for a strike at regulation distance. Owing to nonnormally distributed data, Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine group differences at 5 events during the pitching motion. The alpha level was set a priori at .006.Results:Collegiate pitchers had significantly higher drive-knee extension angular velocity at the 3-o’clock position than youth pitchers (182.30 ± 145.44 vs –34.66 ± 219.66 rad/s; P < .001). Collegiate pitchers also had greater peak drive-knee flexion angle than youth pitchers at the top of the arm circle (37.98° ± 18.09° vs 25.38° ± 17.58°; P = .004), while youth pitchers had a significantly more anteriorly shifted center of mass than collegiate pitchers at the top of the arm circle (49.93% ± 5.09% vs 46.47% ± 6.44%; P = .003).Conclusion:The authors found increased drive-knee flexion angle and angular extension velocity in collegiate compared with youth pitchers, although it is unknown if these differences were due to lack of experience or strength. Athletes should work on improving drive-leg mechanics to develop optimal push-off performance.Clinical Relevance:This information can be applied to develop strength and conditioning programs for softball pitchers. Player performance may be improved through performing exercises to strengthen knee and hip extension musculature and learning to eccentrically load the drive leg to activate the stretch shortening cycle.

Lower limb kinematics differ at the time of foot contact between successful and unsuccessful single limb landings following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ObjectivesTo investigate differences in lower extremity kinematics at initial ground contact between successful and unsuccessful single limb landings following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. DesignObservational study. SettingControlled laboratory environment. Participants22 male participants (aged 17–40 years) who had undergone unilateral ACL reconstruction attended a single test session. Main outcome measuresWithin-subjects comparisons was performed for pelvis, hip, knee and ankle kinematics using paired t-tests. ResultsWhen unsuccessful at landing on the ACL reconstructed limb, participants had significantly increased knee flexion (P = 0.04) and reduced ankle plantarflexion (P = 0.03) compared to their successful landings. In contrast, when unsuccessful at landing on the unaffected limb, participants had significantly increased pelvic contralateral hitch (P < 0.01) and increased hip abduction (P < 0.01) compared to successful landings. ConclusionBody position at the time of initial contact was different for landings that were successful compared to landings that were unsuccessful. These differences were limb-specific: altered position in sagittal plane preceded unsuccessful landings on the reconstructed limb whereas altered position in the coronal plane body position that preceded unsuccessful landings on the unaffected limb. These findings suggest that limb specific landing strategies may be required to improve athletes’ performance following ACL reconstruction. Level of evidenceIV.

Differences in lower-extremity kinematics between the male military personnel with and without plantar fasciitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the factors that influence gait by comparing lower extremity kinematics during the stance phase of the gait cycle between individuals with and without plantar fasciitis. DesignA cross-sectional study. SettingMotion analysis research laboratory. ParticipantsThirty subjects with plantar fasciitis and 30 aged-matched controls. Main outcome measure(s)Range of motion of the lower extremity and multi-segment foot during gait using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. ResultsThe plantar fasciitis group showed significant differences in motion in the multi-segment foot, ankle, knee, and hip from the control group during various subphases of the stance phase. Specifically, relative to the control group, the plantar fasciitis group had more rearfoot adduction, forefoot eversion, ankle abduction, and hip abduction. They also had less midfoot dorsiflexion, forefoot dorsiflexion, knee extension, knee external rotation, and hip extension (all Ps < 0.05). ConclusionsIndividuals with plantar fasciitis exhibited more flexibility in the ankle-foot complex and poorer quality of lower-extremity movement than the group that did not have plantar fasciitis. Thus, differences in structures in both the ankle-foot complex as well as those in the hip and knee joints appear to be associated with the presence of plantar fasciitis.

Differences in Lower Extremity Kinematics Between High School Cross-Country and Young Adult Recreational Runners

BackgroundWhile previous research has assessed running kinematics for age-related differences that could increase the risk of a running-related injury, none of these studies have included high school aged runners or assessed running kinematics using 2-dimensional video analysis.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare sagittal plane kinematics during treadmill running in high school cross-country and young adult recreational runners using 2-dimensional motion analysis techniques.MethodsTwenty-five high school cross-country runners (13 women, 12 men) and 25 young adult recreational runners (12 women, 13 men) consented to participate in this study. Reflective markers were placed on each lower extremity over multiple anatomical landmarks. After a five-minute acclimation period in which the participants ran on a treadmill at their preferred running speed, video data were recorded at 240 frames per second for all participants while they continued to run on the treadmill.ResultsThere were no significant differences between left and right extremities. The young adult recreational runners exhibited significantly greater vertical excursion of the center of mass (t = 4.64, p = .0001) compared to the high school runners. There was no significant difference between the two age groups regarding the six other sagittal plane variables.ConclusionsThe young adult recreational runners demonstrated an increased center-of-mass vertical excursion in comparison to high school cross-country runners. In addition, the results obtained in this study for kinematic variables using 2-dimensional motion analysis were similar to previously reported studies using 3-dimensional motion analysis, demonstrating that 2-dimensional motion analysis could be used for analyzing sagittal plane running kinematics in clinical settings.Level of Evidence4, Controlled laboratory study

Sex differences in lower extremity kinematics during overhead and single leg squat tests

ABSTRACT The Overhead Squat (OHS) and Single-Leg Squat (SLS) are two clinical tests used by practitioners to identify high-risk biomechanical movement patterns. Several published studies have reported sex differences in SLS performance; however, few have investigated variations during the OHS and none has measured kinematics with a marker-less motion capture system. Therefore, this study aimed to compare biomechanical movement patterns between male and female collegiate athletes during OHS and SLS testing. Seventy-five females and 58 male athletes completed OHS and SLS . A Microsoft Kinect sensor using Athletic Movement Assessment software (PhysiMax®) was used to measure kinematics. For the OHS, males displayed greater peak knee frontal plane projection angles (FPPA) (M:26°±10°, F:20°±8°; P < 0.05), peak hip flexion (M:-94°±14°, F:-87°±15°; P < 0.05), and peak trunk flexion angles (M:11°±11°, F:6°±9°; P < 0.05). For the SLS (dominant-limb), males displayed greater peak trunk flexion (M:32°±6°, F:27°±7°; P < 0.05). For the non-dominant limb, females displayed greater peak knee FPPA (F:-12°±9°, M:-8°±9°; P < 0.05) whereas males displayed greater peak trunk flexion angles (M:32°±5°, F:27°±7°; P < 0.05). These findings suggest the need for practitioners to develop sex-specific corrective exercise programmes in effort to improve lower extremity kinematics in athletes.

Lower Extremity Biomechanical Differences Between Female Dancers and Soccer Players

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in female athletes is common. Team sport athletes experience more ACL injuries than ballet and modern dancers. Examining biomechanical differences between these two groups may help to explain the discrepancy in ACL injury rates. The purpose of this study was to examine lower extremity kinematic differences between collegiate dancers and National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I soccer athletes during a rebound jump-landing task. Peak hip, knee, and ankle kinematics were collected during a jump-landing task. Results showed more knee flexion and less ankle eversion in the dancers compared to the soccer athletes. Differences in training and strategies used during landing may explain the kinematic differences between groups.

Sex Differences In Lower Extremity Kinematics During Overhead And Single Leg Squat Tests

The Overhead Squat (OHS) and Single-Leg Squat (SLS) are two clinical tests commonly used by sports medicine practitioners to identify high-risk biomechanical movement patterns. Traditional scoring of these tests requires subjective judgement whereas new technology has allowed for automatic scoring and additional objective data. To date, few studies have examined sex differences in OHS and SLS performance and none measured with a marker-less motion capture system. PURPOSE: To determine if biomechanical differences exist between male and female collegiate athletes during performance of an OHS and SLS. METHODS: 75 female (18.1±0.4y; 166.9±6.5cm; 64.1±10.2kg) and 58 male (18.7±1.2y; 184.4±7.1cm; 86.9±15.2kg) collegiate athletes completed OHS and SLS testing as part of their pre-participation exam. Men’s sports included football (n=24), baseball (n=19), lacrosse (n=10), and swimming (n=5); women’s sports included track and field (n=23), field hockey (n=12), softball (n=12), lacrosse (n=9), swimming (n=7), soccer (n=6), golf (n=3), tennis (n=2), and gymnastics (n=1). Participants completed 4 OHSs followed by 4 SLSs on each leg. A Microsoft Kinect sensor using Athletic Movement Assessment software (PhysiMax®) was used to measure all kinematic variables. Differences between males and females were assessed with independent t-tests. RESULTS: For the OHS, males displayed greater peak knee varus (M: 25.7°±9.6°, F: 19.8°±8.2°; P<0.001), peak hip flexion (M: -93.6°±-14.41°, F: -86.9°±-14.5°; P<0.05), and peak trunk flexion angles (M: 11.5°±10.9°, F: 6.3°±9.2°; P<0.01). Females displayed greater peak ankle dorsiflexion angles (F: -28.7°±-5.8°, M: -26.5°±-6.3°; P<0.05). For the SLS (dominant limb), males displayed greater peak trunk flexion (M: 32.2°±5.6°, F: 27.6°±6.6°; P <0.001) and lateral pelvic angles (M: 4.2°±3.9°, F: 2.9°±2.7°; P<0.05). For the non-dominant limb, females displayed greater peak knee valgus angles (F: -12.5°±-9.1°, M: -8.9°±-9.1°; P<0.05) whereas males displayed greater peak trunk flexion angles (M: 31.7°±5.5°, F: 27.5°±6.9°; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Male and female collegiate athletes displayed different movement strategies during performance of an OHS and SLS. Injury prevention programs may need to target sex-specific biomechanical patterns to improve movement capacity.

Patients with Symptomatic Hip Osteoarthritis Have Altered Kinematics during Stair Ambulation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. Understanding contributing factors to slowing or stopping disease progression is crucial. There has been no research describing lower extremity kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle during stair ambulation in individuals with hip OA. To explore the differences in lower extremity kinematics between participants with clinical and morphological findings of hip OA and controls. A cross-sectional study. Clinical research laboratory. Participants with radiographic and symptomatic signs of hip OA (n = 42) and healthy controls (n = 30) were enrolled. Participants underwent hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI) method was used to assess cartilage abnormalities. Self-reported measures of hip pain and function were obtained using the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Participants were assigned into a symptomatic hip osteoarthritis group (HOA) with SHOMRI>0 and HOOS≤80, and a control group (CG) with SHOMRI = 0 and HOOS>90. Patients underwent 3D motion analysis during stair ascent/descent at self-selected speed. The primary outcome measurements were peak hip, knee, and ankle kinematics. General Estimation Equations were used to compare kinematics between groups (P ≤ .05). The HOA group ascended stairs with a more internally rotated hip (CG = 1.77 ± 6.3; HOA = 4.97 ± 4.2; P = .02), more abducted hip (CG = -5 ± 2.7, HOA = -3.5 ± 3; P = .02), and a more externally rotated knee (CG = -8.02 ± 3; HOA = -10.63 ± 6.3; P = .02) and ankle (CG = -11.8 ± 6.1; HOA = -16.3 ± 5.6; P = .01). Similarly, HOA participants descended stairs with a more extended knee (CG = -15.5 ± 4.9; HOA = -12 ± 4.9; P = .01), and more externally rotated knee (CG = -10.1 ± 4.4; HOA = -13.1 ± 6.6; P = .04) and ankle (CG = -13.5 ± 5.3; HOA = -17.9 ± 5.5; P = .002). Participants with hip OA-related morphology and symptoms ambulate stairs utilizing abnormal lower extremity mechanics.

Differences in Lower-Extremity Kinematics Among Female Collegiate Soccer and Volleyball Players

Differences in Lower-Extremity Kinematics Among Female Collegiate Soccer and Volleyball Players

Lower Extremity Kinematic Differences Between ACLR Limb and Non-Surgical Limb During a Cutting Task

Lower Extremity Kinematic Differences Between ACLR Limb and Non-Surgical Limb During a Cutting Task

Stationary Exercise in Overweight and Normal Weight Children.

This study examined differences in lower extremity kinematics and muscle activation patterns between normal weight (NW) and overweight (OW) children during stationary exercises (running in place, frontal kick, and butt kick) at submaximal intensity. Healthy children (aged 10-13y) were stratified into OW (n = 10; body fat percentage: 34.97 [8.60]) and NW (n = 15; body fat percentage: 18.33 [4.87]). Electromyography was recorded for rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior. In addition, the ratings of perceived exertion and range of motion of hip, knee, and ankle joints were collected during stationary exercises. Repeated-measures analysis of variance compared muscle activation, range of motion, and ratings of perceived exertion between groups and exercises. Friedman test examined sequencing of muscles recruitment. Compared with NW, OW experienced significantly greater ratings of perceived exertion (13.7 [0.8] vs 11.7 [0.7]; P < .001) and electromyography amplitude in all muscles apart from vastus lateralis during stationary exercises. In addition, NW children used more consistent muscles' recruitment pattern in comparison with OW children. The range of motion was similar between groups at all joints. OW children may adopt a more active neuromuscular strategy to provide greater stability and propulsion during stationary exercises. Stationary exercise can be prescribed to strengthen lower extremity muscles in OW children, but mode and intensity must be considered.

Pilot Study of the Gait Deviation Index in Quantifying Overweight Children's Mobility

AbstractChildhood obesity in the United States has more than tripled in the past three decades. Differences in lower extremity kinematics between obese and nonobese children during walking have been investigated, but the validity of using the gait deviation index (GDI) for measuring gait in obese children has not been explored. Nine obese children (13.9 ± 2.4 years old) with a body mass index of 33.3 ± 3.5 participated in the study. Reflective markers were placed on all children in a widely used standard lower extremity marker configuration. All participants walked along a 20-foot walkway at a self-selected speed. The kinematic and kinetic measurements for all children were taken, and the GDI for each subject was calculated. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) GDI of the nine obese children was 88.5 ± 12, which was significantly lower than the GDI of the typically developing children (100 ± 10, p &lt; 0.002). There were no statistically significant correlations between the GDI and the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Total score or PedsQL Physical Functioning score. Obese children had a significantly increased anterior pelvic tilt, hip flexion, hip adduction, hip adduction moment, knee flexion, knee valgus, and plantar flexion in stance phase (p &lt; 0.05). While in swing phase, obese children had increased hip adduction and knee varus. The kinematic differences may reveal lower limb mal-alignment in obese children during walking. Overall, the GDI can play a major role in evaluating gait pathology in obese children. Future studies will increase the sample size to further evaluate the correlation between the GDI and functional outcomes.

Gender-specific Lower Extremity Kinematic Differences in Collegiate Soccer Athletes during Three Kicking Tasks

Gender-specific Lower Extremity Kinematic Differences in Collegiate Soccer Athletes during Three Kicking Tasks

Classification of higher- and lower-mileage runners based on running kinematics

BackgroundRunning-related overuse injuries can result from the combination of extrinsic (e.g., running mileage) and intrinsic risk factors (e.g., biomechanics and gender), but the relationship between these factors is not fully understood. Therefore, the first purpose of this study was to determine whether we could classify higher- and lower-mileage runners according to differences in lower extremity kinematics during the stance and swing phases of running gait. The second purpose was to subgroup the runners by gender and determine whether we could classify higher- and lower-mileage runners in male and female subgroups. MethodsParticipants were allocated to the “higher-mileage” group (≥32 km/week; n = 41 (30 females)) or to the “lower-mileage” group (≤25 km; n = 40 (29 females)). Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected during 60 s of treadmill running at a self-selected speed (2.61 ± 0.23 m/s). A support vector machine classifier identified kinematic differences between higher- and lower-mileage groups based on principal component scores. ResultsHigher- and lower-mileage runners (both genders) could be separated with 92.59% classification accuracy. When subgrouping by gender, higher- and lower-mileage female runners could be separated with 89.83% classification accuracy, and higher- and lower-mileage male runners could be separated with 100% classification accuracy. ConclusionThese results demonstrate there are distinct kinematic differences between subgroups related to both mileage and gender, and that these factors need to be considered in future research.

Three-dimensional kinematic differences between accurate and high velocity kicks in rugby union place kicking

Place kicking occurs many times during a rugby union game with more than half of all points scored coming from place kicking. Ball velocity is an important biomechanical indicator of kicking success, but it also evident that the ball must be kicked accurately to pass between the posts. This study aimed to identify biomechanical differences in rugby place kicking kinematics when kicking towards a specific target and for maximum velocity. Ten male rugby union kickers performed place kicks in two conditions: (1) for maximum velocity and (2) towards a pre-defined target. Lower extremity kinematics were obtained using an optoelectric motion capture system operating at 500 Hz. Differences in lower extremity kinematics between the two kicking conditions were examined using paired t-tests. Higher ball velocities were obtained when kicking for maximum velocity. Foot linear velocity, knee extension velocity and hip extension velocity were also found to be greater when kicking for maximum velocity. Ankle dorsiflexion and peak external rotation were found to be greater in the accuracy condition. The findings suggest that rugby kickers may have selected distinct kicking mechanics characterised by reduced joint angular velocities and a more externally rotated foot position in a deliberate attempt to improve precision, sacrificing ball velocity and thus the distance that the ball can be kicked. The specific findings from the current work have implications for coaches and applied practitioners which may facilitate improvements in kicking performance.