Development of a Cost-effective Biomechanical System for the Assessment of Kinematic and Kinetic Parameters in Soccer Players During a Lower Limb Pointing Task

Abstract

PurposeThe main aim of the present study was to describe the development of a non-commercial biomechanical system designed for the simultaneous measurement of kinematic and kinetic parameters during a lower limb pointing task. The task was performed by two groups of soccer players (10 novices and 10 experts, aged 16-19 years) and the differences between the two groups, in terms of these parameters, were also assessed. MethodsThe calibration procedure of the combined system is presented in this paper. The system measured the Centre of Pressure (CoP) and body Center of Mass (CoM) displacements, kicking duration and the acceleration of the kicking leg. ResultsThe margin of error found for kinematic and kinetic calibration was less than 1%. Furthermore, the expert players presented decreased CoP and CoM displacements and kicking duration and acceleration of the kicking leg compared to the novices. ConclusionThe combined system provides an effective method for the simultaneous measurement of kinematic and kinetic parameters associated with kicking and may contribute to the development of intervention studies for the improvement of balance and kicking performance in sports.