Muscle Tightness as One of the Physical Factors that Affect Kicking Motion

抄録

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of muscle tightness and joint range of motion on the kicking motion based on measurements of physical functions obtained by a medical check and simple analysis of kicking motion. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 21 senior high school students who belonged to a soccer club. [Methods] We measured the tightness of the iliopsoas, quadriceps, hamstrings, and triceps surae, and the angle of external rotation of the hip joint in the upright position. Also, images in the sagittal plane were taken of the kicking motion. [Results and Conclusion] A tendency was observed of muscle tightness in the quadriceps and triceps surae, affecting the kicking motion. The angle of external rotation of the hip joint in the upright position also affected kicking motion by decreasing anterior inclination of the lower supporting leg and backward shift of the upper trunk at the time of foot impact on the ball.