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PORTLAND, Maine

Brianna Bisesti, Michael Lawrence and Lara Carlson publish biomechanics research

Brianna Bisesti, A.T. ’13, Michael Lawrence, M.S., Motion Analysis Laboratory manager in the Department of Physical Therapy and Lara Carlson, DPE., FACSM, associate professor in the College of Health Professions and the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, recently published their research in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

The publication is titled “Comparison of Knee Moments and Landing Patterns During a Lateral Cutting Maneuver: Shod Vs. Barefoot.” Noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often occur during lateral cutting maneuvers, in which extension, adduction, and external rotation create high loads on the ACL.

Although barefoot running has become increasingly popular, many sports are commonly played barefoot in less developed areas such as Brazil and Africa, and playing sports barefoot is becoming a more popular trend in the U.S.

The research examined knee moments and foot strike patterns during lateral cutting when shod and barefoot. Kinetic and kinematic data were collected using an 8-camera motion capture system and a force plate in the Department of Physical Therapy. The shod condition produced a greater peak adduction moment during cutting, whereas barefoot caused more anterior foot strike. Our findings suggest that lateral cutting maneuvers when barefoot will not increase stress on the ACL.

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The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.