LOWER-EXTREMITY PERFORMANCE MODELS FOR LANDING

The purpose of the study was to develop predictive models for the maximum forefoot (F1) and rearfoot (F2) vertical ground reaction forces and maximum knee joint extensor moment (EM) and eccentric power (EP) values during landing. Electromyography was monitored for five lower extremity muscles and subjects were filmed while performing a series of landings onto a force platform from three heights and distances using each of three landing techniques (n = 81 trials per subject). A Newtonian model was employed to calculate lower extremity joint moments and powers. Individual subject three-way ANOVAs (p<0.05) and five increasingly complex regression models were computed on F1, F2, EM and EP. Results of the ANOVA modeling procedures were subject-specific. Regression results identified the more complex models as superior in explaining performance variance. These results suggest the individual nature of performances and the need to evaluate landings on a single subject basis.