Biomechanical Comparison of Forward and Lateral Lunges Using Standardized and Self Selected and Step Lengths

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2011

Publication Title

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Supplemental

DOI

10.1249/01.MSS.0000402318.25608.62

ISSN

1530-0315

Abstract

Lunges are commonly included in rehabilitation and strength training programs; however there is limited information regarding differences between lateral (LAT) and forward (FOR) lunges with varying step lengths (SL) in young adults.

PURPOSE: To compare sagittal plane joint kinematics and kinetics between FOR and LAT lunges using self selected (SS) and standardized (ST, 60% body height) SL.

METHODS: Thirty-two recreationally active adults (16 men, 16 women) completed six lunges of each direction/distance combination in a between-subject counterbalanced order. Ankle (AN), knee (KN) and hip (HI) peak flexion (PF), and net joint extensor moment impulse (NJMI) were quantified during the interval when the stepping limb (dominant limb) was in contact with the ground. Additionally, three lunge characteristics, SL, stepping limb contact time (SLCT) and vertical total body center of mass displacement (vTBCM) were calculated. Separate direction by SL distance repeated measures analyses of variance were used for statistical comparisons of each dependent variable.

RESULTS: SL were statistically equal between LAT SS and ST (P=.063), whereas SS FOR SS (P<.001). For SLCT, LAT>FOR (P=.012). For vTBCM, FOR>LAT (P<.001) and ST>SS (P=.002). Whereas LAT>FOR (ST:P<.001, SS:P<.001) for AN PF, LATST (P=.001) for FOR AN PF. For HI PF, FOR ST>SS (P<.001). For AN NJMI, LAT>ANT (P<.001). At both distances, LAT>FOR (ST:P<.001, SS:P<.001) for KN NJMI whereas FOR>LAT (ST:P<001, SS:P<.001) for HI NJMI. During FOR, SS>ST (P<.001) for KN NJMI whereas ST>SS (P<.001) for HI NJMI.

CONCLUSION: For the FOR lunge, the ST SL appears to put greater demands on the HI as evidenced by the PF and NJMI whereas the SS appeared to put greater demands on the knee based on the NJMI. The LAT lunge appears to put greater demands on the AN based on the PF and NJMI results. These data provide rationale regarding the selection of FOR versus LAT lunges and SS versus ST SL.

Comments

© 2011 American College of Sports Medicine

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