Playing on AT includes, for example, increased peak torque and different rotational stiffness properties of shoe–surface interaction, decreased impact attenuation properties of surfaces and differing foot loading

patterns.6 While the approach velocity remained constant, the last step to a kick was decreased on a rubber and sand filled artificial surface leading to a “more cautious braking behavior”.16 Since female football players respond differently to football injury and perception of the AT than their male counterparts, investigating the female specific movements on different surfaces could enhance the understanding of injury risk and Ruxolitinib supplier improve the quality of these surfaces. As approximately 50% of all season ending injuries during match play in female football are ACL-tears,10 it seems worthwhile investigating a movement task that is commonly representative for this

injury. Female athletes tend to demonstrate less knee flexion, more knee valgus angles, greater quadriceps activation, and lower hamstring activation in cutting and running tasks than male athletes.17 In JQ1 price non-contact situations an extended knee position (up to 30°)18, 19, 20 and 21 as well as an anterior tibial draw combined with valgus and internal rotation moments22, 23 and 24 could induce excessive loads on the ACL causing it to rupture. Thirty-seven percent of the non-contact ACL injuries occur during cutting manoeuvres, followed by 32% in landings, 16% land and steps, 10% stopping/slowing, and 5% crossover-cut manoeuvres.18 Further, unanticipated cuttings are more likely to represent the movements during a game situation and are described with an increased risk of injury compared to anticipated cuttings.25 Therefore, the purpose of this

study was to investigate Endonuclease the lower limb kinematics on different surfaces in female football players during an unanticipated cutting manoeuvre. This could lead to a more comprehensive knowledge of player–surface interaction and provide further understanding of the mechanism of injury risk and enhancement of artificial surfaces in football. It was hypothesised that AT would lead to increased contact times, no alterations in knee positions but higher ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, and rotational angles. Eight female university level football players (age: 21.5 ± 2.1 years; height: 162.8 ± 7.1 cm; weight: 66.0 ± 8.5 kg; football experience: 13.3 ± 4.1 years) participated in the study. The institutional ethical review board approved the study and additionally a written consent form prior to participating was signed by all athletes. Athletes were free from injury over a 6month period prior to testing.