Introduction: The jump smash in badminton generates considerable mechanical loading on the lower limbs, particularly during take-off and landing phases. Excessive frontal-plane knee mechanics, such as dynamic knee valgus, have been associated with increased anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and patellofemoral injury risk. The present study investigated the relationship between peak vertical ground reaction forces (GRF) during take-off and landing and knee valgus angles in male badminton athletes.
Methodology: Ten state-level players aged 18-25 years performed three standardized jump smash trials, with the best trial analysed. Peak take-off GRF (ptGRF), peak landing GRF (plGRF), and knee valgus angles were collected using a Kistler force plate and 2-D motion capture.
Results: Pearson correlation analysis showed a moderate negative correlation between ptGRF and take-off knee valgus (r = ?0.50, p ? 0.05), and a moderate positive correlation between plGRF and landing knee valgus (r = 0.60, p ? 0.05).
Conclusion: These findings indicate that knee valgus mechanics interact differently with GRF depending on the movement phase. Strengthening trunk and hip neuromuscular control strategies may improve both performance and injury resilience in badminton athletes.
International Journal of Yogic, Human Movement and Sports Sciences
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