Influence of Modern Studded and Bladed Soccer Boots and Sidestep Cutting on Knee Loading During Match Play Conditions

Trauma & Orthopaedics Registrar, United Kingdom

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: rajiv_kaila{at}yahoo.co.uk.

	Abstract

Background: The influence of modern studded and bladed soccer boots and sidestep cutting on noncontact knee loading during match play conditions is not fully understood.

Hypothesis: Modern soccer boot type and sidestep cutting compared with straight-ahead running do not significantly influence knee internal tibia axial and valgus moments, anterior joint forces, and flexion angles.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Fifteen professional male outfield soccer players undertook trials of straight-ahead running and sidestep cutting at 30° and 60° with a controlled approach velocity on a Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) approved soccer surface. Two bladed and 2 studded soccer boots from 2 manufacturers were investigated. Three-dimensional inverse dynamics analysis determined externally applied internal/external tibia axial and valgus/varus moments, anterior forces, and flexion angles throughout stance.

Results: The soccer boot type imparted no significant difference on knee loading for each maneuver. Internal tibia and valgus moments were significantly greater for sidestep cutting at 30° and 60° compared with straight-ahead running. Sidestep cutting at 60° compared with straight-ahead running significantly increased anterior joint forces.

Conclusion: Varying soccer boot type had no effect on knee loading for each maneuver, but sidestep cutting significantly increased internal tibia and valgus moments and anterior joint forces.

Clinical Relevance: Sidestep cutting, irrespective of the modern soccer boot type worn, may be implicated in the high incidence of noncontact soccer anterior cruciate ligament injuries by significantly altering knee loading.