Effect of eccentric fatigue of hip extensors on trunk, hip and knee kinematics during single leg landing in healthy females

Abstract

Fatigue may lead to altered lower-limb biomechanics and increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) and patellofemoral pain (PFP). Hip extensors muscles act eccentrically controlling the trunk and lower limb movements during jump landing, however, no study evaluated the effect of eccentric fatigue of these muscles on the trunk and lower-limb biomechanics. Therefore, the objective of the present study will be to compare trunk, hip and knee kinematics before and after an eccentric fatigue protocol of the hip extensors muscles during single leg landing in healthy females. For this purpose, 15 volunteers, with 18 to 35 years of age, will be evaluated. The trunk, hip and knee kinematics will be analyzed using a motion analysis system (Qualysis AB, Gotheburg, Sweden) with six cameras. The fatigue protocol will be performed in an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Multi-joint System 3, New York, US). For data analysis, Student t tests for dependent samples will be used. The results of the present study will provide detailed information in order to develop more efficient treatment and prevention strategies to ACL injury and PFP. (AU)