Author(s): XU, M., LI, H., Institution: BEIJING SPORT UNIVERSITY, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 1589

INTRODUCTION:
Jumping is a core movement of high expressiveness in dance artistry, and the landing phase represents the moment of greatest mechanical load on the lower extremities. Among various jumping techniques, the Saut de Chat—characterized by substantial flight height and considerable horizontal displacement—imposes exceptionally high demands on dancers’ impact absorption capacity [1]. Evidence indicates that high peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during landing is a primary contributor to overuse injuries of the ankle, knee, and hip joints in dancers [2–4].
In current biomechanical research, joint moments and power are widely utilized to quantify active muscular regulation strategies during the landing cushioning process. While numerous studies have explored landing mechanics in dance, there remains a lack of quantitative comparative research specifically examining how joint angles and moments collectively influence impact force peaks in specialized movements like the Saut de Chat.
This study aimed to quantify the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the Saut de Chat landing phase and to establish two predictive models—the angle model and the moment model—using multiple stepwise regression. By comparing their explanatory power for the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) peak, the study sought to explore the contributions of postural control and mechanical energy absorption mechanisms during jump landings, thereby providing biomechanical evidence for improving landing cushioning and preventing lower-limb injuries in dance training.
METHODS:
Sixteen female dancers (21±2.4 yrs, 166.5±3.6 cm, 51.5±5.4 kg, 12.8±5.2 yrs training) participated; all right-leg dominant.
Qualisys (200 Hz) and Kistler (1000 Hz) captured right-leg Saut de Chat landing kinematics/kinetics. Flexion/adduction/internal rotation positive.Two stepwise regression models predicted mean vGRF in R:
Model A (Angle):ANKLE_X/Y, KNEE_X/Y/Z, HIP_X
Model B (Moment):ANKLE_Y, KNEE_X/Z, HIP_X/Z
Fit: R², adj. R², p.
RESULTS:
1. Model Comparison
Moment Model (adj. R^2=0.726) outperformed Angle Model (adj. R^2=0.657), with hip sagittal (p<0.001), knee transverse (p=0.003), and ankle frontal moments (p=0.041) as key predictors—indicating joint moment control, especially at hip and knee, better explains VGRF than posture alone.
2. Angle Model
Greater knee flexion and varus significantly reduced VGRF (p=0.012 and p<0.001).
3. Moment Model
Larger hip flexion, ankle inversion, and knee external rotation moments each significantly attenuated VGRF peaks (all p<0.05).
4. Correlation
Knee flexion correlated neg
CONCLUSION:
Model B outperformed Model A, showing joint moments—especially hip/knee transverse moments—better predict landing impact than posture alone. Hip extensor torque aids control but may increase injury risk; ankle inversion and knee external rotation moments effectively attenuate VGRF. Coordinated hip–knee–ankle moment control is key to shock absorption and injury prevention.