Using accelerometry to quantify deceleration during a high-intensity soccer turning manoeuvre

Abstract

The mechanics of cutting movements have been investigated extensively, but few studies have considered the rapid deceleration phase prior to turning which has been linked to muscle damage. This study used accelerometry to examine the influence of turning intensity on the last three steps of a severe turn. Ten soccer players performed 135° "V" cuts at five different intensities. Resultant decelerations were recorded from a trunk-mounted tri-axial accelerometer. Lower limb kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRF) from the pivot foot-ground contact (FGC) were also monitored. Average peak trunk decelerations were larger at the two preceding steps (4.37 ± 0.12 g and 4.58 ± 0.11 g) compared to the PIVOT step (4.10 ± 0.09 g). Larger peak joint flexion angular velocities were observed at PRE step (ankle: 367 ± 192 deg.s; knee 493 ± 252 deg.s) compared to PIVOT step (ankle 255 ± 183 deg.s; knee 377 ± 229 deg.s). Turn intensity did not influence peak GRF at PIVOT step. This study highlights the importance of steps prior to turning and their high-frequency loading characteristics. It is suggested that investigations of lower limb loading during turning should include this deceleration phase and not focus solely on pivot FGC.

Relationships Between Eccentric and Concentric Knee Strength Capacities and Maximal Linear Deceleration Ability in Male Academy Soccer Players

“…Therefore, the players approach velocity and momentum were likely higher in our study making the deceleration demands considerably more challenging. In fact the average approach velocity prior to deceleration was 6.3 m•s -1 , which is higher than previous studies (3.6 -5.8 m•s -1 ) examining the deceleration phase prior to a COD (13,21,27). (23).…”

Effects of plyometric training on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance in male and female soccer players

“…During plyometric training, soccer players performed exercises designed to induce short ground contact times and high reactive strength index, which predict change of direction speed performance (Young, James, & Montgomery, 2002). Also, an improved change of direction speed performance could be related to changes in impulse development or increased eccentric strength, which can enhance change of direction performance during the deceleration phase (Nedergaard, Kersting, & Lake, 2014;Sheppard & Young, 2006). In addition, plyometric training might enhance mental preparation before maximal-intensity exercise (Beck et al, 2007), which might allow better performance during a change of direction speed task (Young et al, 2002).…”

Change of Direction Assessment Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Review of Current Practice and Considerations to Enhance Practical Application

“…While not the case in all incidences, it appears non-contact ACL injuries occur more frequently during CoDs performed from higher approach velocities in multidirectional sports [53,64]. Variables associated with ACL injury (i.e., knee flexion angles, knee valgus loading) increases during 45°, 60° and 135° cutting tasks from faster running velocities (4 and 5 m s −1 ) compared to slower velocities (2 and 3 m s −1 ) [40,58,82]. Thus, when interpreting the available literature, practitioners should be cognizant of these differences and how they affect joint loading.…”

“…Therefore, consideration of a wider range of contextual factors is needed to develop protocols which are more sensitive to identify deficits in task execution. In addition, the increase in use of micro portable technology [58] may be a more practically viable and cost-effective approach but further research is needed to examine their utility for the assessment of CoD in athletes return to sport following ACLr.…”