Observational study with the objective of determining possible correlations between GRF and muscle activation at reception after a jump in an ACL injury

Abstract

Introduction The ACL injury is considered one of the most serious injuries and usually occurs in actions that include movements with changes of direction, jump and landing. It is a common injury between the young active population and the risk in women of suffering from non-contact injury is superior to that of men. Athletes who suffer from non-contact injuries of the ACL usually have common biomechanical profiles, with landings with large values in ground reaction force (GRF) and therefore, low cushioning on landing. Objective To determine possible correlations between GRF and muscular activation at lading after a jump. Material and methods The type of study carried out is an observational study in which, using surface electromyography (EMG), a force platform and an electrogoniometer, the aim is to assess muscle activation and its relationship with GRF (specifically the vertical component Fz). Results Correlations have been observed between the reaction force of the soil (Fz) in the moments where the reaction force of the soil is greater and the instant where the knee reaches maximum flexion after landing, with the activation of certain muscle groups and differences depending on the gender of the subject. Discussion The neuromuscular recruitment strategies in the phases of maximum GRF load and knee flexion are different depending on the sex of the individual, so it should be considered when scheduling prevention and recovery work. Conclusion The evaluation of GRF and muscle activation patterns, allows to assess the dynamics of landing after a jump and to be able to detect different patterns according to sex, with the consequent importance that it can have in the injury mechanism.