The effect of angle on change of direction biomechanics: Comparison and inter-task relationships

Abstract

The aim of this was study to examine the inter-task relationships and compare change of direction (COD) biomechanics between different angles (45°, 90°, and 180°). Twenty-seven men performed three COD tasks, whereby lower-limb and trunk kinematics and kinetics were assessed via 3D motion and ground reaction force (GRF) analysis. Key mechanical differences (p ≤ 0.025, η 2 = 0.024-0.940) in velocity profiles, GRF, sagittal joint angles and moments, multiplanar knee joint moments, and technical parameters existed between CODs. The primary findings were that as COD angle increased, velocity profiles decreased (p < 0.001, d = 1.56-8.96), ground contact times increased (p < 0.001, d = 3.00-5.04), vertical GRF decreased (p < 0.001, d = 0.87-3.48), and sagittal peak knee joint moments decreased (p ≤ 0.040, d = 0.62-2.73). Notably, the greatest peak knee internal rotation (KIRMs) and abduction moments (KAMs) and angles were observed during the 90° COD (p < 0.001, d = 0.88-1.81), indicating that this may be the riskiest COD angle. Small to very large (r = 0.260-0.702) associations in KAMs and KIRMs were observed between tasks, indicating that evaluations at different angles are needed to develop an athlete's biomechanical injury risk profile. The results support the concept that COD biomechanics and potential surrogates of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury risk are "angle-dependent"; which have important implications for COD coaching, screening, and physical preparation.

Associations between lower limb eccentric muscle capability and change of direction speed in basketball and tennis players

“…Based on our results we can confirm our third hypothesis. Recent evidence has highlighted several biomechanical differences among CoD tasks with different CoD angles ( Dos’Santos, Thomas & Jones, 2021 ), which may explain our results. For instance, larger peak knee flexion and hip flexion amplitudes, are observed in CoD with CoD larger angles ( Dos’Santos, Thomas & Jones, 2021 ).…”

“…Recent evidence has highlighted several biomechanical differences among CoD tasks with different CoD angles ( Dos’Santos, Thomas & Jones, 2021 ), which may explain our results. For instance, larger peak knee flexion and hip flexion amplitudes, are observed in CoD with CoD larger angles ( Dos’Santos, Thomas & Jones, 2021 ). Moreover, larger ground contact times, but lower approach velocities are seen during cuts with higher angle ( Dos’Santos et al, 2018 ).…”

Levels of Agreement for the Direction of Inter-Limb Asymmetry during Four Simple Change-of-Direction Tests in Young Male Handball Players: A Pilot Study

“…The differences between the task times could be explained by the angle-velocity tradeoff [22,23]. For instance, sharper (180 • compared to 90 • ) CoD actions are characterized by larger decreases in velocity, longer ground contact times, and lower ground reaction forces [23].…”

“…The differences between the task times could be explained by the angle-velocity tradeoff [22,23]. For instance, sharper (180 • compared to 90 • ) CoD actions are characterized by larger decreases in velocity, longer ground contact times, and lower ground reaction forces [23]. Accordingly, Dos'Santos et al [22] stress that practitioners should be aware of the effects of different angles and approach velocity when assessing CoD performance, and when designing and prescribing CoD training.…”

“…Aside from the pilot nature of the study and its small sample size, it has to be emphasized that the present study was conducted on a sample of well-trained male handball players, limiting the generalizability of the results to females and other sports. Moreover, only two contrasting angles (90 • and 180 • ) were used for CoD testing, while previous research also shows biomechanical differences between 45 • and 90 • angles [23]. Future research conducted with larger sample sizes of different athletic populations is needed.…”