Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether treadmill versus overground soccer match simulations have similar effects on knee joint mechanics during side cutting. Nineteen male recreational soccer players completed a 45 min treadmill and overground match simulation. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded every 5 min. Prior to exercise (time 0 min), at ‘half-time’ (time 45 min) and 15 min post exercise (time 60 min) participants performed five trials of 45° side cutting manoeuvres. Knee abduction moments and knee extension angles were analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05). Physiological responses were significantly greater during the overground (HR 160 ± 7 beats ∙ min-1; RPE 15 ± 2) than treadmill simulation (HR 142 ± 5 beats ∙ min-1; RPE 12 ± 2). Knee extension angles significantly increased over time and were more extended at time 60 min compared with time 0 min and time 45 min. No significant differences in knee abduction moments were observed. Although knee abduction moments were not altered over time during both simulations, passive rest during half-time induced changes in knee angles that may have implications for ACL injury risk.