Using accelerometry to quantify deceleration during a high-intensity soccer turning manoeuvre.

Abstract: The mechanics of cutting movements have been investigated extensively, but few studies have considered the rapid deceleration phase prior to turning which has been linked to muscle damage. This study used accelerometry to examine the influence of turning intensity on the last three steps of a severe turn.

Ten soccer players performed 135° “V” cuts at five different intensities. Resultant decelerations were recorded from a trunk-mounted tri-axial accelerometer. Lower limb kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRF) from the pivot foot-ground contact (FGC) were also monitored.

Average peak trunk decelerations were larger at the two preceding steps (4.37 ± 0.12 g and 4.58 ± 0.11 g) compared to the PIVOT step (4.10 ± 0.09 g). Larger peak joint flexion angular velocities were observed at PRE step (ankle: 367 ± 192 deg.s ⁻¹; knee 493 ± 252  deg.s ⁻¹) compared to PIVOT step (ankle 255 ± 183 deg.s ⁻¹; knee 377 ± 229 deg.s ⁻¹). Turn intensity did not influence peak GRF at PIVOT step.

This study highlights the importance of steps prior to turning and their high-frequency loading characteristics. It is suggested that investigations of lower limb loading during turning should include this deceleration phase and not focus solely on pivot FGC.