Ankle Biomechanics During Normal Gait: A Comparative Study Between Handball Players and Non-athletes Students

초록

This study aimed to compare the biomechanical differences in ankle joint kinematics and kinetics between handball players and non-athlete students during overground walking. Thirty male participants, including 15 handball players and 15 non-athletes, were analyzed. The groups were matched for age, height, and weight (Handball players: 20.16±1.4 years, 178.9±4.8 cm, 85.3±10.2 kg; non-athletes: 21±1.2 years, 175±5.3 cm, 76.3±7.4 kg). Using an OptiTrack motion capture system and dual Bertec force plates, over 500 gait cycles were recorded and analyzed. Significant differences were observed between the two groups. Handball players exhibited greater maximum dorsiflexion/plantarflexion ROM (13.374 ± 1.744 degrees) and higher ground reaction forces, particularly in the medial (0.48 ± 0.082 N/kg) and vertical (10.754 ± 0.923 N/kg) directions. Additionally, they demonstrated increased plantarflexion (1.601 ± 0.118 Nm/kg) and abduction moments (0.671 ± 0.111 Nm/kg). These findings suggest that the specific demands of handball training led to distinct adaptations in ankle joint biomechanics, which may enhance performance but also increase injury risk.

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