Joint Moment Contributions to Non-Planar Kicking Techniques: Insights into Kuda and Sila Serve Mechanics

The aim of this study was to gain insights into non-planar kuda and sila kicking mechanics by quantifying joint moment contributions to each serve technique. Seven high-speed optical cameras at 240 Hz captured serve movements in 3-D space. Subject-specific BSP's were derived using the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Differences were significant only for sila knee joint extension and internal rotation moments at the start of kicking. At impact, hip joint flexion, knee joint extension and trunk/pelvis internal rotation moments were significant for kuda, while hip joint abduction and internal rotational moments as well as ankle joint dorsi-flexion and eversion moments were significant for sila. Joint moments contributing to kuda kicking limb speeds include hip joint flexion, knee joint extension and trunk/pelvis rotational moments. Hip joint abduction and internal rotational moments as well as ankle joint dorsi-flexion and eversion moments contribute to sila kicking limb speeds. A greater rate of increase in sila trunk/pelvis rotational moment adds to the overall sila kicking limb speeds generated along the transverse plane. Coaching implications include initiation of correct sequence of joint moments, strengthening kicking limb flexors, extensors and abductor muscles groups, and improving hip joint range of motion.