Simulated soccer pressing scenarios alter kinematics and kinetics of sidestep cutting associated with ACL injury risk

In soccer, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries frequently occur during sidestep cutting (SSC) in pressing situations. This study examined the effects of soccer-specific pressing tasks on SSC kinematics and kinetics. Twenty male recreational soccer players performed a 90° SSC followed by three task conditions: the Normal condition, in which participants simply continued running; the Pressing 70% condition, in which they reached for a ball placed at 70% of maximal straddle width; and the Pressing 100% condition, in which they reached for a ball at 100%. Maximal straddle width was defined as the distance between the toes during maximally hip-abducted. Both pressing conditions simulated defensive pressing. Three-dimensional peak knee and trunk angles, ground reaction forces, and knee moments of the supporting leg during the first 50 ms of the stance phase were compared. Results showed that peak knee valgus and trunk lateral inclination angles, as well as peak knee flexion, valgus, and internal rotation moments, were greater in both pressing conditions. These findings indicate that simulating pressing tasks altered SSC kinematic and kinetic characteristics. Notably, variables associated with ACL injury risk increased under pressing tasks, suggesting that pressing situations themselves may represent a biomechanical ACL injury risk.