The effects of opposition and gender on knee kinematics and ground reaction force during landing from volleyball block jumps
Author
Hughes, G.
Watkins, J.
Owen, N.
Attention
2299/9727
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of apposition and gender on knee kinematics and ground reaction force during landing from a volleyball block pimp. Six female and six male university volleyball players performed two landing tasks (a) an unopposed and (b) an opposed volleyball block jump and landing. A 12-camera motion analysis system (120 Hz) was used to record knee kinematics, and a force platform (600 Hz) was used to record ground reaction force during landing. The results showed a significant effect for level of opposition in peak normalized ground reaction force (p = 04), knee flexion at ground contact (p = 003), maximum knee flexion (p = 001), and knee flexion range of motion (p = 003). There was a significant effect for gender in maximum knee flexion (p = 01), knee flexion tang, of motion (p = 001), maximum knee valgus angle (p = 001), and knee valgus range of motion = 001). The changes in landing biomechanics as a result of opposition suggest future research on landing mechanics should examine opposed exercises, because opposition may significantly alter neuromuscular responses.