Trunk and Lower Limb Mechanics during Multi-Directional Cutting in Dominant and Non-dominant Limbs of Athletes: Implications for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk

Background Understanding the influence of limb dominance and cutting angles on trunk and lower limb biomechanics and trunk muscle activation during multidirectional change of direction (COD) may provide insights into anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk and preventive management. Hypothesis/Purpose This study aimed to investigate the influence of limb dominance and cutting angles on trunk and lower limb biomechanics and trunk muscle activation during multidirectional COD tasks in male athletes. It was hypothesized that the dominant limb (DL) and non-dominant limb (NDL) would exhibit notable variations in muscle activation and biomechanics across cutting angles, which could have implications for training and injury prevention. Study design Cross-sectional, observational cohort Methods Twenty male collegiate athletes performed side-step cutting tasks at 30°, 60°, and 90° angles using their DL and NDL limbs. Three-dimensional motion capture, ground reaction force (GRF) data, and surface electromyography (EMG) of trunk and lower limb muscles were collected. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (2 × 3, limb dominance × cutting angle) was used for statistical analysis. Results Cutting angles significantly influenced trunk and lower limb biomechanics. Sharper cuts angles (especially 90°) showed significantly diminished trunk and lower limb sagittal-plane motion (p < 0.05) and significantly greater frontal and transverse plane demands (p < 0.05), including increased trunk lean, hip abduction, and internal rotation moments. Limb dominance also demonstrated specific effects; DL showed a significant effect on trunk flexion, trunk rotation, whereas the NDL showed significantly greater ankle external rotation at peak vertical GRF. Muscle activation patterns varied by limb and direction; the NDL exhibited higher gluteus medius and left external oblique activation than the DL. Conclusion Although cutting angle had the most profound impact on biomechanics, limb dominance demonstrated meaningful differences in trunk control and muscle activation strategies. These asymmetries may influence ACL injury risk profiles and should be considered in sport-specific training and rehabilitation programs. Level of evidence 3