Author(s): PARK, J., KANG, J., PARK, S., YOON, S., Institution: KOREA NATIONAL SPORT UNIVERSITY, Country: KOREA, SOUTH, Abstract-ID: 673

INTRODUCTION:
Landing is a movement frequently performed in sports situations, and athletes seek to minimize the impact of landing through smooth flexion movements of lower extremity joints [1]. The athletes with low proficiency, however, are exposed to musculoskeletal injuries since their lower extremity joint movements are stiff [2]. The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for preventing injuries in young athletes by confirming the shock absorption mechanism according to the landing type of those with low proficiency.
METHODS:
The landing type of 105 youth athletes who are registered as Korean ahtletes association were observed and, for the purpose, 24 of those were classified into heel contact group [HCG] (n=12, height: 168.7 ± 9.7 cm, weight: 60.9 ± 11.6 kg, age: 14.1 ± 0.9 yrs., career: 4.3 ± 2.9 yrs.) and toe contact group [TCG] (n=12, height: 174.8 ± 4.9 cm, weight: 66.9 ± 9.9 kg, age 13.9 ± 0.8 yrs., career: 4.7 ± 2.0 yrs.). Then, they were asked to perform three times drop landing. For the analysis, 19 infrared cameras and two ground reaction devices were set and independent t-test was conducted to check the difference between two groups with the statistical significance level of .05.

RESULTS:
In this study HCG showed higher peak force and higher loading rate compared to TCG(p<.05). Also HCG revealed smaller RoM of ankle and knee joint than those of TCG (p<.05). Finally, HCG showed smaller plantar flexion moment compared to TCG(p<.05).
CONCLUSION:
Based on the results, it was considered that, while TCG appropriately distributes the peak force and loading rate shock that occurs during landing through an increase in knee and ankle RoM and the plantar flexion moment of the ankle joint, HCG experienced high peak force and loading rate due to failure to distribute the shock. It was determined, therefore, that heel contact landing in young sports athletes has no advantage in terms of injury prevention through joint absorption and distribution of shock from contact with the ground and that, if this movement continues for a long period of time, this may lead to a decrease in performance due to injury [3]. An education on safer landing methods through appropriate posture control is required for young athletes whose musculoskeletal growth is important.

REFERENCES:
1) Shin, J. M. Journal of Sport and Leisure Studies. 2016.
2) Kovacs et al. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 1999.
3) Shin & Kim. Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association. 2018