Gender differences in landing mechanics vary depending on the type of landing.
OBJECTIVE
Men and women exhibit different movement patterns, which are thought to contribute to the increased incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in females. Although gender differences have been observed in movement, few studies have examined gender differences during different types of landings.


METHODS
Prospective gender comparison study.


METHODS
Controlled laboratory study.


METHODS
Fourteen male and 14 female recreational soccer players were recruited for the study. All subjects performed a soccer-specific jump heading activity to examine differences in landing mechanics before and after heading the soccer ball. Subjects began the task by performing a forward jump onto 2 force platforms (landing 1) and conducting a countermovement before jumping up to head a soccer ball that was hanging above the force platform before, then landing back on the force platforms (landing 2).


METHODS
A 2-way analysis of variance (gender × landing) was performed to examine the interaction between gender and different types of landings on sagittal plane joint mechanics.


RESULTS
Significant interactions existed for the peak hip extension moment and vertical ground reaction force where the male players exhibited increased values during the second landing compared with the female players. Males exhibited greater peak plantarflexion and knee extension moments, but decreased peak hip flexion. Main effects for landing exhibited lower kinematic and larger kinetic values except for the peak plantarflexion moment.


CONCLUSIONS
Female and male players appear to land differently depending on the type of landing. Therefore, specificity of landing type may be important to consider when screening for injury risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
This study examines the differences between genders during 2 different landing tasks and demonstrates the importance of considering the jumping task when screening individuals for injury risk factors.
Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. robert.butler@duke.edu
Robert J
RJ
Butler
John D
JD
Willson
Donald
D
Fowler
Robin M
RM
Queen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012737:Sex Factors; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult