Influence of the biomechanical parameters of movement on the ice-hockey player`s sitting position

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the effect of flexion and extension of the body units during ice-hockey players` movements in the sitting position on the location of the joints in relation to the general center of body mass. Material and methods. A group of 14 highly qualified ice-hockey players who performed running movements on skates and proprioceptive movements onto the strain platform in the ice-hockey player`s sitting position. The biomechanical analysis of the movements was conducted with the use of the methods of video analysis, strain gauge, and myometrial method . Results. The most optimal ranges of the articular angles of the knee and hip joints in the in the ice-hockey player`s sitting position have been identified. In particular, in the fixation of the angular position of the knee joint within the range of 80-90 degrees, there was a decrease in the strength of the muscle pull of the quadriceps femoris on the anterior cruciate ligament. The value of this decrease varied within the range of 17-22 % of the average values of the indicator that were obtained when the angular position of the knee joint was less than 80 or more than 90 degrees. Flexion in the hip joint over the range of 42-55 degrees with the optimal position of the knee joint contributed to increased balance in the given position. Conclusion. Flexion and extension of the torso lead to changes in the position of the joints associated with the general center of body mass (GCMB) and subsequent biomechanics of the sitting position. The deviation of the angular positions from the optimal ranges affects the trajectory of the GCMB with vertical vibrations, which, in its turn, negatively affects the speed of movement and stability of the ice-hockey player`s sitting position. Going beyond the boundaries of the postural position zone can lead to a more rigid sitting position, which increases the risk of injury of the anterior cruciate ligament.