The impact of the foot contact position and cutting angle during cutting on the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the impact of the foot contact position and cutting angle on the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury during cutting. [Participants and Methods] Seven healthy males performed cuttings under four tasks by changing the foot contact position and cutting angle. A three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates were used for taking measurements. The peak vertical ground reaction force and loading rate were calculated. The pelvic, hip, and knee joint angles were measured at the peak vertical ground reaction force. [Results] The loading rate was significantly higher in the lateral foot contact than in the anterior foot contact when the cutting angle was large. The knee flexion angle at the peak vertical ground reaction force was significantly smaller in the lateral foot contact than in the anterior foot contact when the cutting angle was large, similar to the pelvic forward inclination angle, regardless of the foot contact position. [Conclusion] As the cutting angle increased, the knee flexion and pelvic forward inclination angles decreased, resulting in an increase in the loading rate during cutting with the lateral foot contact. Therefore, an increase in the cutting angle can increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury.