The effects of a 90-minute simulated soccer match-play on knee and hip kinematics

Abstract

Knee and hip extension are two proposed mechanisms of non-traumatic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This study aimed to investigate the changes of the hip extension angles following exertion induced by an overground simulated soccer match-play. Fifteen male recreational players consented to this study and were required to complete a 90 minutes of simulated soccer match-play. Knee and hip angles were measured at initial contact during 45° anticipated side-cutting tasks performed prior to the simulation (time 0 min), at the end of the first half (time 45 min) prior to the second half (time 60 min) and at the end of the soccer match simulation (time 105 min). A two (group: dominant, nondominant) × four (time: 0 min, 45 min, 60 min and 105 min) mixed between- and within- subjects ANOVA was utilized. Results revealed that both knee and hip extension angles were significantly altered over time (knee: F3,102 = 4.464, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.116; hip: F3,102 = 9.998, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.227), however no significant differences were observed between dominant and nondominant sides (knee: F1,34 = 0.026, p = 0.872, η2 = 0.001; hip: F1,34 = 0.225, p = 0.638, η2 = 0.007). Pairwise comparisons indicated that the knee and hip is more during the second half of the simulation (time 60 min and time 105 min), compared to pre-exertion (time 0 min) (p < 0.05). The more erect knee and hip landing postures observed suggested a greater risk of ACL injury during the latter stage of each halves of match-play, supporting epidemiological observations. Further interrogations of the kinematic differences in the knees and hips across limb dominance are warranted for a more comprehensive understanding of the changes in a multiplanar perspective following soccer specific fatigue development.