Biomechanical difference in forward and lateral lunges and its changes in knee joint moment and functional measurement

Abstract

Forward lunges (FL) and lateral lunges (LL) are two common variations of lunges, with different knee joint loading. The project aims to investigate the biomechanical differences between three lunges and measure the difference in knee joint moment and its association with Functional Movement Screen (FMS). Fifteen physically active healthy male adults were tested. Subjects were assessed in three movements, namely FMS in-line lunge, FL and LL in randomized order with three trials on each test. Measurements including a) adapted FMS score in 0-3 scale, b) 3D knee joint moment from motion capture system. The normalized knee joint moment in FL is significantly different from LL. There was a moderate and positive correlation shown between FMS score and Knee Flexion/Extension moment. Other correlations showed non-significant results. Knee joint moments were found significantly different between 3 lunges. FMS score cannot directly reflect knee kinetics under current scoring criteria.