LOWER LIMB JOINT KINEMATICS IN FEMALE GYMNASTS AGES 12–14

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the functional state of lower limb joints in female rhythmic gymnasts, ages 12–14. Materials and methods. The study involved 47 female athletes and 42 apparently healthy female non-athletes without musculoskeletal complaints from the control group. Spatio-temporal gait analysis and analysis of angular movements of lower limb joints were performed with the Vicon 3D motion capture system. Results. Compared to the control group, the results obtained show increased cadence and decreased step length, as well as functional disorders of all three joints in different planes in female rhythmic gymnasts. The following observations were recorded: a significantly increased supination angle of the left ankle joint (20.9 ± 0.27°); an increased amplitude of dorsi-plantar flexion (29.4 ± 0.32°); an increased abduction angle of the left foot (3.33 ± 0.24°). An increase in the valgus position was recorded throughout the entire gait cycle (42.2 ± 0.27°) in the left knee joint of female athletes, with no significant differences found in the other planes. In the hip joint, an increase in the adduction angle and a decrease in the abduction angle were recorded in the support and transfer phases, respectively; an increase in the angle of external rotation on the left was observed at the peak of the swing phase (43.4 ± 0.38°). Conclusions. The results obtained are of prognostic value in the assessment of injuries and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system in gymnasts.