Biomechanical Analysis of the Anterior Lunge During 4 External-Load Conditions

Abstract

Context: Comprehensive analysis of ankle, knee, and hip kinematics and kinetics during anterior lunge performance in young adults has not been studied. In addition, the effects of adding external resistance on the kinematics and kinetics are unknown. Objective: To determine the effects of external load on ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics and kinetics during the anterior lunge. Design: Crossover study. Setting: Laboratory environment. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 16 recreationally active, college-aged adults (8 men, 8 women). Intervention(s): Anterior lunges under 4 external-load conditions, 0% (control), 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of body mass. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ankle, knee, and hip peak flexion, net joint extensor moment impulse, and eccentric and concentric work were computed during the interval when the stepping limb was in contact with the ground. Additionally, 3 summary lunge characteristics were calculated. Results: No significant (P > .05) load effects were noted for peak flexion angles or the lunge characteristics except for peak vertical total-body center-of-mass displacement. Trend analysis of significant condition-by-joint interactions revealed significant linear trends for all 3 joints, with the hip greater than the ankle and the ankle greater than the knee. Additionally, as the external load increased, mechanical work increased linearly at the hip and ankle but not at the knee. Conclusions: From a kinematic perspective, the lunge involves greater motion at the knee, but from a kinetic perspective, the anterior lunge is a hip-extensor–dominant exercise. Adding external weight prompted the greatest joint kinetic increases at the hip and ankle, with little change in the knee contributions. These results can assist clinicians in deciding whether the characteristics of the anterior lunge match a patient's exercise needs during rehabilitation and performance-enhancement programs.

Evaluating Performance of the Lunge Exercise with Multiple and Individual Inertial Measurement Units

“…It is favoured as a strengthening exercise as it is weight bearing and promotes muscle activation patterns similar to those of gait [26]. The lunge is used in sports conditioning programmes, as the ability to complete the movement is critical in activities such as squash and badminton [9].…”

Joint Angles of the Ankle, Knee, and Hip and Loading Conditions During Split Squats

“…11 In contrast, the kinematics of these joints were not influenced. Thus, for future studies, it can be hypothesized that a change in additional load would change the moments of the joints, whereas the ROM would remain similar.…”

“…11 In practice, several guidelines for the performance of a proper split squat are in use, and focus mainly on the step length and weight distribution between the two feet. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to focus on the ROM of the knees, and hips and corresponding joint moments during split squats.…”

“…10 Additionally, no differences in the peak flexion angles for the ankle, knee, or hip of the anterior leg were observed with 0%, 12.5%, 25%, or 50% additional body weight (BW) load. 11 According to a fitness center accident report in Switzerland, 12 most split squat-induced injuries occur due to customer error. Overall, a total of 21% of injuries were due to incorrect exercise execution, and 45.6% were due to overload, 12 despite several available guidelines that describe the correct execution of split squats.…”

“…14 Furthermore, the use of external weights by the subject results in an increase in hip and ankle kinetics, but little change in the knee loading contribution. 11 Recently, it was shown that the external joint moments of the knee and hip can be influenced by the step length and front knee position during split squats. 16 In general, a strength exercise is executed safely within the physiological range of motion (ROM) of a joint and by avoiding overloading of the human An Official Journal of ISB www.JAB-Journal.com ORIGINAL RESEARCH tissue.…”