Spine and Hip Kinematic Differences between Dominant and Non-Dominant Kicking in Collegiate Women Soccer Players

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2011

Publication Title

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

DOI

10.1249/01.MSS.0000401158.93510.1d

ISSN

1530-0315

Abstract

Limited research examines axial skeletal differences in dominant (D)/non-dominant (ND) kicking. We previously investigated axial skeletal kinematics with participants using self selected approach distances/angles.

PURPOSE: To compare spine/hip kinematics between dominant D/ND kicking using a standardized approach distance/angle (152.4cm; 36.87° respectively).

METHODS: 25 women collegiate level soccer players (19.84±2.54 yrs) performed 12 driven kicks (six each leg) in a random order. An electromagnetic (EM) tracking system (Motion Monitor, IST, Inc.) captured spine flexion (SFL), lateral flexion and rotation, as well as kicking and stance leg hip flexion, rotation, and abduction (HAB) at three points, backswing (BS) (kick leg peak extension), ball contact (BC), and follow-through end (FT) (kick leg peak flexion). Values were compared between D/ND kicking using adjusted contrasts (α=.016). Ball velocity (BV), measured (SpeedTracX, EMG Comp., Inc) before/with EM sensors secured to participants was analyzed. Paired t-tests (α=.05) compared D/ND repetition time and percent cycle BC.

RESULTS: D BV was significantly greater (P<.001, 95% CI= 3.5 to 5.9m/s) than ND; no significant BV differences related to EM sensors. D SFL was significantly greater during BC (P=.002, 95% CI= -7.3 to -1.8°) and FT (P=.001, 95% CI= -6.9 to -2.1°). D kick HAB was significantly greater during BS (P=.009, 95% CI= -14.3 to -2.2°) than ND. No other D/ND comparisons were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Greater D leg BV supports prior research. D kicking produced greater ranges of motion throughout the kick, although not all were statistically significant. Based on similar results from our previous work, it doesn't appear that the approach distances/angles explains D/ND differences. Further research is necessary to decipher what underlying factors, such as coordination or strength differences, explain the spine and hip kinematic differences between D/ND kicking from a standardized approach.

Comments

© 2011 American College of Sports Medicine

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