Comparative analysis of lower extremity kinematics: Effects of different single-leg rotational landings on dominant and non-dominant legs

Abstract

Problem statement: Single-leg landings increase the likelihood of lower extremity injuries. Although previous studies have highlighted kinematic differences in lower limb movements during landings in different directions, sports such as basketball and volleyball often involve rotational movements before landings, potentially increasing injury susceptibility. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of single-leg rotational landings on lower extremity kinematic parameters and explore differences between dominant and non-dominant legs. Materials and methods: Fifteen male collegiate basketball players performed single-leg rotational landings with the testing leg extended and hands on their hips. They jumped from a 30-cm-high box, minimizing knee flexion, and landed on the testing leg in three directions: forward (FL), clockwise (CL), and counter-clockwise (CCL), using both their dominant (DL) and non-dominant limbs (NDL), landing on the center of a force plate. Lower limb kinematics (including hip, knee, and ankle angles) from three trials were averaged and analyzed. Results: A 3 (direction) × 2 (leg) repeated measures ANOVA, complemented by post-hoc Tukey tests, was employed to identify discrepancies in lower extremity joint angles at initial contact (IC) and maximum knee flexion (MKF). No significant differences were observed in the main effect of direction. However, significant disparities in knee abduction, ankle inversion, and internal rotation were identified between DL and NDL. Conclusion: Basketball players may exhibit a predisposition towards rotational movement on their dominant side. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for coaches and sports scientists, aiding in understanding kinematic differences during single-leg rotations, enhancing training protocols and mitigating injury risks.