Biomechanical analysis of the anterior lunge during 4 external-load conditions.
BACKGROUND
Comprehensive analysis of ankle, knee, and hip kinematics and kinetics during anterior lunge performance in young adults has not been studied. In addition, the effects of adding external resistance on the kinematics and kinetics are unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of external load on ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics and kinetics during the anterior lunge.


METHODS
Crossover study.


METHODS
Laboratory environment.


METHODS
A total of 16 recreationally active, college-aged adults (8 men, 8 women).


METHODS
Anterior lunges under 4 external-load conditions, 0% (control), 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of body mass.


METHODS
Ankle, knee, and hip peak flexion, net joint extensor moment impulse, and eccentric and concentric work were computed during the interval when the stepping limb was in contact with the ground. Additionally, 3 summary lunge characteristics were calculated.


RESULTS
No significant (P > .05) load effects were noted for peak flexion angles or the lunge characteristics except for peak vertical total-body center-of-mass displacement. Trend analysis of significant condition-by-joint interactions revealed significant linear trends for all 3 joints, with the hip greater than the ankle and the ankle greater than the knee. Additionally, as the external load increased, mechanical work increased linearly at the hip and ankle but not at the knee.


CONCLUSIONS
From a kinematic perspective, the lunge involves greater motion at the knee, but from a kinetic perspective, the anterior lunge is a hip-extensor-dominant exercise. Adding external weight prompted the greatest joint kinetic increases at the hip and ankle, with little change in the knee contributions. These results can assist clinicians in deciding whether the characteristics of the anterior lunge match a patient's exercise needs during rehabilitation and performance-enhancement programs.
Biodynamics Center, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA. Bryan.Riemann@armstrong.edu
Bryan L
BL
Riemann
Shelley
S
Lapinski
Lyndsay
L
Smith
George
G
Davies
D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training; D055815:Young Adult