Kinematics Analysis of Lower Extremity Joints During Side Step Cutting Maneuver Related to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Soccer Players

The aim of current research was to investigate kinematics of lower extremity during side step cutting maneuver related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in different male and female soccer positions. Therefore, 18 male and 18 female soccer players were tested for side step cutting maneuver. Kinematics variables (hip and knee flexion and knee valgus) were captured by one camera at 50 Hz from male and female defenders, midfielders and strikers. Current findings showed that there is a significant difference (p=0.05) in knee valgus between all male and female players and also between each of their positions, but there were no significant differences (p=0.05) between hip flexion and also in knee flexion between all male and female and their positions. Authors concluded that female soccer players probably have more ACL injury potential as compared to male players due to their higher knee valgus.