Match play demands of 11 versus 11 professional football using Global Positioning System tracking: Variations across common playing formations

This study aimed to examine Global Positioning System (GPS) determined movement patterns across the 5 most common playing formations (4-4-2; 4-3-3; 3-5-2; 3-4-3; 4-2-3-1) employed in 11 versus 11 football match play in England. Elite male footballers (n = 46) were monitored over the course of a season; total distance (TD), high speed running (HSR), high metabolic load distance (HMLD), high speed accelerations (Acc) and decelerations (Dec) data was collected for analysis. It was found that 3-5-2 formation elicited higher TD (10528 ± 565 m, p = 0.05), HSR (642 ± 215 m, p = 0.001), and HMLD (2025 ± 304 m, p = 0.001) than all other formations and above average Acc and Dec (34 ± 7, p = 0.036 and 57 ± 10, p = 0.006), with 4-2-3-1 eliciting the highest Acc and Dec (38 ± 8 and 61 ± 12). Positional data showed that CM in 4-3-3 covered >11% TD than in 4-4-2 (p = 0.012). FW in 3-5-2 covered >45% HSR than in 4-2-3-1 (p = 0.004). CM in 4-3-3 covered >14% HMLD than in 4-4-2 (p = 0.367). FW in 4-3-3 performed >49% accelerations than in 4-2-3-1 (p = 0.293). WD in 3-5-2 performed >20% more decelerations than in 4-4-2 (p = 0.161). This study is important for coaches understanding, that positional physical characteristics are influenced by the demands of playing in different formations during match play.     

Change in body image and psychological well-being during behavioral obesity treatment: Associations with weight loss and maintenance

This study reports on outcomes from a behavioral obesity treatment program, evaluating if treatment-related changes in body image and psychological well-being are predictors of weight change during treatment and after follow-up. Participants were 142 overweight/obese women (BMI = 30.2 ± 3.7 kg/m²; age = 38.3 ± 5.8 years) participants in a behavioral treatment program consisting of a 4-month treatment period and a 12-month follow-up. Psychosocial variables improved during treatment and these changes were correlated with 4-month weight reduction. Short-term changes in body size dissatisfaction (p = .002) and mood (p = .003) predicted long-term weight loss. Additional results suggest that there might be a predictive role of short-term changes in body size dissatisfaction and self-esteem on long-term weight loss after accounting for initial weight change (p < .028). We conclude that, along with weight changes, cognitive and affect-related processes influenced during obesity treatment may be related long-term success, in some cases independently of initial weight loss.     

Contextual effects on activity profiles of domestic field hockey during competition and training

Game context is widely accepted to influence performance but most data available is ‘categorical’ and addresses performance rather than activity. This study assessed direct effects of opposition and team ranking in field hockey to establish influences on activity. One hundred and eight (n = 108) female field hockey players (age 16–39 years) participated, giving 186 competition and 48 training analyses. Team average distance (mean ± SD) observed in a mid-ranked team during competition ranged from 5949 ± 611 to 7719 ± 257 m demonstrating an opposition rank effect (Pearson’s r = .71; adjusted R² = .42). However, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a stronger relationship in lower ranked teams (Pearson’s r = .99; adjusted R² = .97 through 3–9). In contrast, no team rank effect was observed during randomly monitored competition where team average distance ranged from 5177 ± 444 to 7316 ± 241 m (Pearson’s r = .15 and adjusted R² = .12). In training, however, a team rank effect was observed in distance-related performance indicators where team average distance during small-sided games ranged from 5877 ± 188 to 3551 ± 193 m drill (per 70 min) with Pearson’s r = .95 and adjusted R² = .87. The presence of contextual effects has significant practical implications for team sports where the training load assumed from competition may be overestimated.     

Proprioceptive impairments associated with knee osteoarthritis are not generalized to the ankle and elbow joints

The mechanisms for proprioceptive changes associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) remain elusive. Observations of proprioceptive changes in both affected knees and other joints imply more generalized mechanisms for proprioceptive impairment. However, evidence for a generalized effect remains controversial. This study examined whether joint repositioning proprioceptive deficits are localized to the diseased joint (knee) or generalized across other joints (elbow and ankle) in people with knee OA. Thirty individuals with right knee OA (17 female, 66 ± 7 [mean ± SD] years) of moderate/severe radiographic disease severity and 30 healthy asymptomatic controls of comparable age (17 female, 65 ± 8 years) performed active joint repositioning tests of the knee, ankle and elbow in randomised order in supine. Participants with knee OA had a larger relative error for joint repositioning of the knee than the controls (OA: 2.7 ± 2.1°, control: 1.6 ± 1.7°, p = .03). Relative error did not differ between groups for the ankle (OA: 2.2 ± 2.5°, control: 1.9 ± 1.3°, p = .50) or elbow (OA: 2.5 ± 3.3°, control: 2.9 ± 2.8°, p = .58). These results are consistent with a mechanism for proprioceptive change that is localized to the knee joint. This could be mediated by problems with mechanoreceptors, processing/relay of somatosensory input to higher centers, or joint-specific interference with cognitive processes by pain.     

Perceiving red decreases motor performance over time: A pilot study

IntroductionColors may influence motor performance.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to compare the effects of perception of red and green environments on physical (performance and heart rate) and psychological (perceived effort, anxiety and enjoyment) parameters during cycling trials.MethodTen cyclists achieved two identical series of three randomized 7-minute trials on home trainers, during which they were continuously exposed to red, green, and gray environments. Covered distance and heart rate were recorded during each trial, after which participants answered items intended to assess perceived effort, anxiety, and enjoyment experienced during the trial.ResultsResults showed that covered distance (ps ≤ .02) and heart rate (ps ≤ .03) were lower in the red environment than in the gray and green environments. Enjoyment was higher in the green environment than in the red environment (p = .006). The colored environments did not influence perceived effort and anxiety (ps > .05).ConclusionThis study is the first to show that perceiving red is detrimental for motor performance over an extended period of time.     

Technique determinants of knee joint loads during cutting in female soccer players

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between technique characteristics and knee abduction moments during 90° cuts. A cross sectional design involving 26 elite and sub-elite female soccer players (mean ± SD; age: 21 ± 3.2 years, height: 1.68 ± 0.07 m, and mass: 59.1 ± 6.8 kg) was used to explore relationships between pre-determined technical factors on knee abduction moments during cutting. Three dimensional motion analyses of 90° cuts on the right leg were performed using ‘Qualisys Pro Reflex’ infrared cameras (240 Hz). Ground reaction forces were collected from two AMTI force platforms (1200 Hz) embedded into the running track to examine 2nd last and last footfalls. Pearson’s correlation coefficients, co-efficients of determination and hierarchical multiple regression were used to explore relationships between a range of technique parameters and peak knee abduction moments. Significance was set at p < .05. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that initial knee abduction angle, lateral leg plant distance and initial lateral trunk lean could explain 67% (62% adjusted) of the variation in peak knee abduction moments (F_(1,22) = 8.869, p = .007). These findings reveal potential modifiable technical factors to lower peak knee abduction moments during cutting.     

H-reflex excitability is inhibited in soleus,but not gastrocnemius,at the short-latency response of a horizontal jump-landing task

Impaired spinal-level neuromuscular control is suggested to contribute to instability and injury during dynamic landing tasks. Despite this suggestion, spinal-level neuromuscular control is yet to be examined during a horizontal jump-landing task. The aim of the current study was to assess changes in H-reflexes and its reliability at the short-latency response of landings from short and long distances. Eight healthy individuals (five male, three female; age, 22 ± 1.2 yrs; height, 178 ± 8.1 cm; weight, 72 ± 15.7 kg) participated in the study. H-reflexes were evoked at the SLR in the soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles, during two landing conditions: 25% and 50% of maximal broad jump distance. H-reflexes were expressed relative to the background electromyography (EMG) and maximal M-wave responses (M-max). Soleus H-reflexes were inhibited when landing from shorter distance (25%, 13.9 ± 7.6%; 50%, 8.3 ± 6.5%; p < 0.01). No change in H-reflex excitability was observed in medial gastrocnemius. Background EMG was unaltered across landing conditions. Inhibition of soleus H-reflex excitability from 25% to 50% landing condition indicates a reduced contribution of Ia-afferent feedback to the alpha-motor neuron during landings from greater distances, which may contribute to stiffness regulation at the ankle joint. Unaltered H-reflex excitability of medial gastrocnemius is most likely attributed to its functional role during the landing task.     

Contralateral pelvic drop during gait increases knee adduction moments of asymptomatic individuals

PurposeThe current study purpose was to investigate the effects of contralateral pelvic drop gait on the magnitude of the knee adduction moment (KAM) within asymptomatic individuals.Methods15 participants walked on a dual belt instrumented treadmill while segment motions and ground reaction forces were recorded. Participants completed typical gait trials and pelvic drop gait trials. The net external KAM was calculated using inverse dynamics. Peak and impulse were identified. Frontal plane hip abduction/adduction and pelvic drop were determined. Correlations and paired t-tests were used for statistical hypothesis testing (alpha = 0.05).ResultsPeak hip adduction angle reached 4° (±6°) during pelvic drop trials compared to 0° (±6°) in the typical gait trials (p < 0.05) equating to 4° of pelvic drop. KAM impulse was higher in the pelvic drop trial (0.16 Nm s/kg ± 0.04) compared to the typical gait trial (0.13 Nm s/kg ± 0.05) (p < 0.001). Peak KAM was higher in the pelvic drop trial (0.55 Nm/kg ± 0.15) compared to the typical gait trial (0.40 Nm/kg ± 0.109) (p < 0.001). Correlations between change in KAM and change in hip adduction moment and pelvic drop were r > 0.80 (p < 0.001).ConclusionPelvic drop gait increased KAM peak and impulse. Results have implications for understanding relationships between frontal plane hip movement and the knee adduction moment during gait.     

Biomechanical analysis of gait termination in 11–17 year old youth at preferred and fast walking speeds

In populations where walking and/or stopping can be difficult, such as in children with cerebral palsy, the ability to quickly stop walking may be beyond the child’s capabilities. Gait termination may be improved with physical therapy. However, without a greater understanding of the mechanical requirements of this skill, treatment planning is difficult. The purpose of this study was to understand how healthy children successfully terminate gait in one step when walking quickly, which can be challenging even for healthy children. Lower extremity kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 15 youth as they performed walking, planned, and unplanned stopping tasks. Each stopping task was performed as the subject walked at his/her preferred speed and a fast speed. The most significant changes in mechanics between speed conditions (preferred and fast) of the same stopping task were greater knee flexion angles (unplanned: +16.49 ± 0.54°, p = 0.00; planned: +15.75 ± 1.1°, p = 0.00) and knee extension moments (unplanned: +0.67 ± 0.02 N/kgm, p = 0.00; planned: +0.57 ± 0.23 N/kgm, p = 0.00) at faster speeds. The extra range of motion in the joints and extra muscle strength required to maintain the stopping position suggests that stretching and strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints of the lower extremity, particularly the knee, may be a useful intervention.     

Differentiating technical skill and motor abilities in selected and non-selected 3–5 year old team-sports players

This study examined the difference in 22 3–5 year old boys selected to an advanced or non-advanced group on an English community-based professional club training program. Time to complete 15 m linear sprint and 15 m zig-zag agility tests, with and without a ball, were used to assess the children’s technical skill and motor ability. Age and body mass of both groups were the same, whereas height was greater and BMI was lower in the selected group (p < 0.01). Linear sprint times without and with the ball were 3.98 ± 0.35 and 4.44 ± 0.36 s, respectively for the selected and corresponding times were 4.64 ± 1.04 and 11.2 ± 5.37 s for the non-selected (p < 0.01, ES 0.8, 1.8). Similar results were found when a change of movement was included, both with and without the ball. A model of selection indicated that performance in an agility test with the ball and height had the greatest discriminatory power and explained 95.5% of between group variance. Selected players performed significantly better in tests when ball control was required. These findings suggest that technical proficiency and physical differences may influence team selection in three to five year old children.     

Fatigue-induced dissociation between rate of force development and maximal force across repeated rapid contractions

We examined whether the presence of fatigue induced by prolonged running influenced the time courses of force generating capacities throughout a series of intermittent rapid contractions. Thirteen male amateur runners performed a set of 15 intermittent isometric rapid contractions of the knee extensor muscles, (3 s/5 s on/off) the day before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) a half marathon. The maximal voluntary contraction force, rate of force development (RFD_peak), and their ratio (relative RFD_peak) were calculated. At POST, considering the first (out of 15) repetition, the maximal force and RFD_peak decreased (p < 0.0001) at the same extent (by 22 ± 6% and 24 ± 22%, respectively), resulting in unchanged relative RFD_peak (p = 0.6). Conversely, the decline of RFD_peak throughout the repetitions was more pronounced at POST (p = 0.02), thus the decline of relative RFD_peak was more pronounced (p = 0.007) at POST (−25 ± 13%) than at PRE (−3 ± 13%). The main finding of this study was that the fatigue induced by a half-marathon caused a more pronounced impairment of rapid compared to maximal force in the subsequent intermittent protocol. Thus, the fatigue-induced impairment in rapid muscle contractions may have a greater effect on repeated, rather than on single, attempts of maximal force production.     

Effect of an intensified training period on well-being indices,recovery and psychological aspects in professional soccer players

IntroductionIntensified training periods (IT) are associated with fatigue increase and psychological variations.ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to examine the perceived well-being, recovery quality and psychological responses during an IT.MethodsFifteen professional soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 24 ± 1 years, body mass: 71.3 ± 15.1 kg, height: 178.0 ± 6.1 cm) completed a 6-week training program consisting of 2 weeks of basic training (BT) and 4 weeks of IT. They were tested before (T1) and after (T2) the IT. Training load (TL) perception, strain and monotony were measured by the session-RPE method. Well-being indices (sleep quality, fatigue level, stress and delayed-onset muscular soreness [DOMS]) and total quality recovery (TQR) were recorded before each training session. The profile of mood states (POMS) and the Ottowa mental skills assessment tool (OMSAT)-3 were conducted before and after IT.ResultsNo significant difference was found after IT in OMSAT-3 scores (p > 0.05). TL, monotony and strain increased during IT (p < 0.001). Moreover, well-being indices (stress, sleep quality, fatigue level and DOMS) increased (p < 0.001) and TQR decreased (p < 0.001) during IT. The IT increased total mood disturbance (TMD, p < 0.001), tension (p < 0.05) and fatigue (p < 0.01) and decreased vigor (p < 0.001). Significant relationships were found between TL and Hooper Index (HI), TQR and TMD (r = 0.58, 0.65, −0.57, respectively; all p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this investigation suggested that mental ability was not sensitive to fatigue caused by training load intensification. However, perceived well-being, recovery state and mood were found to be sensitive measures and may provide coaches with information about wellness and psychological state of soccer players during IT.     

Children’s age modulates the effect of part and whole practice in motor learning

Motor skills can be learned by practicing the whole or part of a movement. In whole practice (WP), a skill is acquired by practicing the movement in its entirety, whereas in part practice (PP), a task is learned by practicing its components before combining them. However, the effectiveness of WP and PP in children is unclear. We, therefore, examined the effects of WP and PP on the learning of juggling among first-, third-, and fifth-graders. Children of each grade were pseudo-randomly assigned to the WP or PP group to learn cascade juggling in 6 days. After baseline assessments, the WP learners practiced three-beanbag juggling. The PP learners practiced one-beanbag juggling on the first 2 days, two-beanbag juggling on the following 2 days, and three-beanbag juggling on the last 2 days. Practice consisted of 40 trials each day. Skill retention and transfer trials (juggling in the opposite direction) were measured 24 h after training (number of catches). There was no significant difference between WP and PP in skill retention (WP: 1.28 ± 0.73; PP: 1.42 ± 046, p = .40) and transfer (WP: 1.31 ± 0.78; PP: 1.37 ± 0.55, p = .49). However, a time × grade × group interaction (p < .001) was observed in retention. Children of different grades received differential benefits from the WP and PP regimens. The fifth-graders learned better using WP, whereas the first- and third-graders showed better learning with PP. We discuss the three possible explanations for the results (neural maturity, explicit learning, and coordination capabilities).     

Randomized Controlled Trial of an Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Program for Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent health condition associated with obesity. Few people with BED receive appropriate treatment. Personal barriers include shame, fear of stigma, geographic distance to mental health services, and long wait-lists. The aims of this study were to examine the efficacy of an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for adults with threshold BED (DSM-IV) and to examine the stability of treatment effects over 12 months. Participants were randomly assigned to a 16-week Internet-based cognitive-behavioral intervention (n = 69) or a wait-list condition (n = 70). Binge-eating frequency and eating disorder psychopathology were measured with the Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire and the Eating Disorder Examination administered over the telephone. Additionally, body weight and body mass index, depression, and anxiety were assessed before and immediately after treatment. Three-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up data were recorded in the treatment group. Immediately after the treatment the number of binge-eating episodes showed significant improvement (d = 1.02, between group) in the treatment group relative to the wait-list condition. The treatment group had also significantly reduced symptoms of all eating psychopathology outcomes relative to the wait-list condition (0.82 ≤ d ≤ 1.11). In the treatment group significant improvement was still observed for all measures 1 year after the intervention relative to pretreatment levels. The Internet-based intervention proved to be efficacious, significantly reducing the number of binge-eating episodes and eating disorder pathology long term. Low-threshold e-health interventions should be further evaluated to improve treatment access for patients suffering from BED.     

Applying an active lumbopelvic control strategy during lumbar extension exercises: Effect on muscle recruitment patterns of the lumbopelvic region

ObjectiveExamine whether implementing an active lumbopelvic control strategy during high load prone lumbar extension exercises affects posterior extensor chain recruitment and lumbopelvic kinematics.MethodsThirteen healthy adults acquired an optimal active lumbopelvic control strategy during guided/home-based training sessions. During the experimental session electromyography was used to evaluate the activity of the posterior extensor chain muscles during high load trunk/bilateral leg extension exercises with/without application of the strategy. Video-analysis was used to evaluate thoracic/lumbar/hip angles.ResultsImplementing the active lumbopelvic control strategy decreased the lordotic angle during trunk (p = 0.045; −3.2°) and leg extension exercises (p = 0.019; −10°). The hip angle was solely affected during trunk extension (p < 0.001; +9.2°). The posterior extensor chain (i.e. mean of the relative activity of all muscles (%MVIC) was recruited to a higher extent (p = 0.026; +9%) during trunk extension exercises performed with active lumbopelvic control. Applying the strategy during leg extension exercises lead to less activity of longissimus thoracic (p = 0.015; −10.2%) and latissimus dorsi (p = 0.010; −4.4%), and increased gluteus maximus activity (p ≤ 0.001; +16.8%).ConclusionsWhen healthy people are taught/instructed to apply an active lumbopelvic control strategy, this will decrease the degree of lumbar (hyper)lordosis and this influences the recruitment patterns of trunk and hip extensors. Hence, the possible impact on predetermined training goals should be taken into account by trainers.     

Entrainment to a real time fractal visual stimulus modulates fractal gait dynamics

Fractal patterns characterize healthy biological systems and are considered to reflect the ability of the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions. Previous research has shown that fractal patterns in gait are altered following natural aging or disease, and this has potential negative consequences for gait adaptability that can lead to increased risk of injury. However, the flexibility of a healthy neurological system to exhibit different fractal patterns in gait has yet to be explored, and this is a necessary step toward understanding human locomotor control. Fifteen participants walked for 15 min on a treadmill, either in the absence of a visual stimulus or while they attempted to couple the timing of their gait with a visual metronome that exhibited a persistent fractal pattern (contained long-range correlations) or a random pattern (contained no long-range correlations). The stride-to-stride intervals of the participants were recorded via analog foot pressure switches and submitted to detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) to determine if the fractal patterns during the visual metronome conditions differed from the baseline (no metronome) condition. DFA α in the baseline condition was 0.77 ± 0.09. The fractal patterns in the stride-to-stride intervals were significantly altered when walking to the fractal metronome (DFA α = 0.87 ± 0.06) and to the random metronome (DFA α = 0.61 ± 0.10) (both p < .05 when compared to the baseline condition), indicating that a global change in gait dynamics was observed. A variety of strategies were identified at the local level with a cross-correlation analysis, indicating that local behavior did not account for the consistent global changes. Collectively, the results show that a gait dynamics can be shifted in a prescribed manner using a visual stimulus and the shift appears to be a global phenomenon.     

Relationships between match activities and peak power output and Creatine Kinase responses to professional reserve team soccer match-play

The specific movement demands of soccer that are linked to post-match recovery and readiness to train are unclear. Therefore, we examined the relationship between Global Positioning System (GPS) variables and the change (Δ; from baseline) in Creatine Kinase (CK) concentrations and peak power output (PPO; during the countermovement jump) at 24 h and 48 h post-match. Fifteen English Premier League reserve team players were examined over 1–4 matches. Measurements of CK and PPO were taken before (24 h prior to match-play) and after (+24 h and +48 h) each game during which movement demands were quantified using 10 Hz GPS data. High intensity distance covered (r = 0.386, p = 0.029; r = −0.349; p = 0.050), high intensity distance covered⋅min⁻¹ (r = 0.365, p = 0.040; r = −0.364, p = 0.040), high speed running distance (r = 0.363, p = 0.041; r = −0.360, p = 0.043) and the number of sprints⋅min⁻¹ (r = 0.410, p = 0.020; r = −0.368, p = 0.038) were significantly related to ΔCK and ΔPPO at +24 h post-match, respectively. No relationships were observed between any match variables and ΔCK and ΔPPO after +48 h of recovery. These findings highlight that high intensity match activities are related to ΔCK and ΔPPO in the 24 h, but not 48 h, following soccer match-play. Such information is likely of interest to those responsible for the design of soccer player’s training schedules in the days following a match.     

Different coordination and flexibility of the spine and pelvis during lateral bending between young and older adults

This study examined coordination of the spine and pelvis during lateral bending of the trunk in older adults. Thirty-four healthy subjects (17 young and 17 older adults) demonstrated lateral bending at a controlled speed while holding a bar at approximately 180 degrees of shoulder flexion. Kinematic data collection was completed on the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and pelvis. The coupling angle was calculated to examine the thorax–lumbar, lumbar–pelvis, and thorax–pelvis coordination patterns. The older adults demonstrated a reduced range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar spine, while both groups revealed similar ROM in the thorax and in the pelvis. The coupling angle between the straightening and bending phases was different only for the older adults in the thorax–lumbar (23.4 ± 8.0 vs. −1.6 ± 4.4, p = 0.004) and the lumbar–pelvis (65.4 ± 7.2 vs. 86.1 ± 7.8, p = 0.001) coordination. However, there was no group difference in the thorax–pelvis coordination. These findings indicate that age-related changes in the lumbar region affect coordination patterns only during the bending phase. The older adults preserved a similar pattern of movement to the young adults during the straightening phase, but the coordination variability of the coupling angles was greater for the older adults than for the young adults. This movement pattern suggests that the older adults lacked consistent trunk control in an attempt to optimize lateral bending coordination.     

Neuromechanical synergies in single-leg landing reveal changes in movement control

Our purpose was to examine changes in single-leg landing biomechanics and movement control following alterations in mechanical task demands via external load and landing height. We examined lower-extremity kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic (EMG) adjustments, as well as changes in movement control from neuromechanical synergies using separate principal component analyses (PCA). Nineteen healthy volunteers (15M, 4F, age: 24.3 ± 4.9 y, mass: 78.5 ± 14.7 kg, height: 1.73 ± 0.08 m) were analyzed among 9 single-leg drop landing trials in each of 6 experimental conditions (3 load and 2 landing height) computed as percentages of subject bodyweight (BW, BW + 12.5%, BW + 25%) and height (H12.5% & H25%). Condition order was counterbalanced, including: 1.) BW·H12.5, 2.) BW + 12.5·H12.5, 3.) BW + 25·H12.5, 4.) BW·H25, 5.) BW + 12.5·H25, 6.) BW + 25·H25. Lower-extremity sagittal joint angles and moments (hip, knee, & ankle), vertical ground reaction force (GRFz), and electrical muscle activity (gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus medialis, medial gastrocnemius, & tibialis anterior muscles), were analyzed in each trial. Biomechanical adjustments and neuromechanical synergies were assessed using PCA. Subjects reduced effective landing height through segmental configuration adjustments at ground contact, extending at the hip and ankle joints with greater load and landing height (p ⩽ 0.028 and p ⩽ 0.013, respectively), while using greater medial gastrocnemius pre-activation with greater load (p ⩽ 0.006). Dimension reduction was observed under greater mechanical task demands, compressing and restructuring synergies among patterns of muscle activation, applied loads, and segmental configurations. These results provide insight into movement control and potential injury mechanisms in landing activities.