A biomechanical analysis of common lunge tasks in badminton

Abstract

The lunge is regularly used in badminton and is recognized for the high physical demands it places on the lower limbs. Despite its common occurrence, little information is available on the biomechanics of lunging in the singles game. A video-based pilot study confirmed the relatively high frequency of lunging, 15% of all movements, in competitive singles games.The biomechanics and performance characteristics of three badminton-specific lunge tasks (kick, step-in, and hop lunge) were investigated in the laboratory with nine experienced male badminton players. Ground reaction forces and kinematic data were collected and lower limb joint kinetics calculated using an inverse dynamics approach. The step-in lunge was characterized by significantly lower mean horizontal reaction force at drive-off and lower mean peak hip joint power than the kick lunge. The hop lunge resulted in significantly larger mean reaction forces during loading and drive-off phases, as well as significantly larger mean peak ankle joint moments and knee and ankle joint powers than the kick or step-in lunges. These findings indicate that, within the setting of this investigation, the step-in lunge may be beneficial for reducing the muscular demands of lunge recovery and that the hop lunge allows for higher positive power output, thereby presenting an efficient lunging method.

Kinetics analysis of step and jump forward lunge among badminton players

“…Performing a movement in jumping manner were shown to be more effective in force production and was in line with previous study of badminton lunge [10]. Larger peak vertical force during JFL could be related to the generation of extensor force by the knee joint to lift the leg off the ground for the jump phase prior to the secondary ground contact [10].…”

“…Larger peak vertical force during JFL could be related to the generation of extensor force by the knee joint to lift the leg off the ground for the jump phase prior to the secondary ground contact [10]. Several previous studies have found the advantageous of performing the lunge with jump movements [10,15].…”

“…Despite several previous studies had shown the force production during lunge [6,9,10], until now, lack of research existed on kinetics data of both dominant and non-dominant limb in both main protocols of lunge movement. It is the aim of this study to determine and compare the kinetics during both dominant and non-dominant limb during step and jump forward lunge and also between dominant and non-dominant limb during both lunge protocols.…”

A Retrospective Review from 2006 to 2011 of Lower Extremity Injuries in Badminton in New Zealand

“…Badminton players' ankles, knees and hips go through flexed and extended positions while maneuvering from mid-court to both court sides and forward and backwards to execute shots. Player's joints may be subject to high ground reaction forces, especially as the sport is performed on a hard surface [1].…”

Comparison of Plantar Loading Characteristics During Two Fundamental Badminton Movements Between the Individuals With Cavovarus Foot Deformity and the Ones With Normal Foot

“…Lunge is a movement that cannot be removed from movements of badminton players [8]. Due to the outbreak of arched plantar and sensitive feet in sports, especially in the sports which impose great force to the sole with fast speeds, it seems that injuries and their consequences can be prevented with preventive measures such as using shoes or the insole that are appropriate for sport and their structure is adequate to the distribution of forces and the player's feet shape.…”