The relationship of kinematics of trunk and knee in sagittal plane with anterior tibia shear force during single leg landing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of kinematics of trunk and knee in sagittal plane with single leg landing and peak anterior tibia shear force (ATSF). Peak ATSF was calculated during single leg landing in 22 healthy female athletes. Trunk and knee kinematics including trunk flexion, knee flexion were recorded with motion analysis system. Then, we assessed the correlation of trunk and knee kinematics with anterior peak ATSF. Trunk flexion (r=-0.757, P<0.05) and knee flexion (r=-0.465, P<0.05) angles at initial contact had significant correlation with peak ATSF. The directions of correlations indicated that lesser degree of knee and trunk flexion resulted in larger peak ATSF values during a single leg landing. Therefore, training programs should underline the effect of increased flexion at these joints in order to decrease ACL injuries. This data provides important evidence for clinicians investigating the risk factors of ACL injuries in order to outline training programs with the aim of decreasing the incidence of ATSF injury.