Side to side differences in patellar tendon kinetics of the support limb during maximal instep soccer kicking

Abstract

Background: Kicking actions have been implicated in the aetiology of soccer injuries, and the unilateral nature of kicking may influence this. The aim of the current investigation was to determine whether soccer players exhibit bilateral differences in support limb patellar tendon loads. Material/Methods: Fifteen male soccer players were examined whilst kicking a stationary soccer ball with both their dominant and non-dominant feet. Patellar tendon kinetics were obtained from each limb and then contrasted using paired samples t-tests. Results: Significant increases in patellar tendon kinetics were found when using the non-dominant limb. Conclusions: The findings from the current investigation have clinical significance and support the notion that kicking with the non-dominant limb may be associated with increased risk for patellar tendon injury aetiology.