Effects of an intermittent exercise protocol on ankle control during a single-legged landing

Purpose To identify the effects of fatigue from an exercise protocol (similar to a soccer match) on ankle motion and forces during single-legged drop landing. Methods Seventeen males aged (mean +/- SD) 22.2 +/- 2.0 years participated in this repeated measures study. A 90-min intermittent exercise protocol with a 15-min rest at halftime was performed. Before, at halftime and after the exercise, participants were tested via a single-legged drop landing task onto a force platform whilst wearing a three-dimensional inertial measurement system (Xsens). Ankle angles (plantarflexion/dorsiflexion and inversion/eversion) were analysed before landing and at peak ground reaction force after landing, and center of pressure was analysed at peak ground reaction force. Results No significant differences were found for the outcomes between pre-, halftime and post-exercise (p > 0.05). Conclusions Findings suggest that exercises simulating a soccer match (regarding exertion) do not necessarily lead to significant changes in ankle motion or forces around the ankle.