Work

Phase-dependent loading characteristics of the supporting-side knee joint during the flying kick with a 180-degree inward turn in competitive Tai Chi

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Competitive Tai Chi has increasingly incorporated high-difficulty aerial and single-leg landing techniques. The flying kick with a 180° inward turn (322C) is a demanding C-level movement that requires rapid take-off, aerial hand-foot slap, body rotation, and stable single-leg landing. However, the phase-dependent loading characteristics of the supporting-side knee joint during this movement remain unclear. Methods: Ten male competitive Tai Chi athletes performed the 322C while three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRF) were recorded. The movement was divided into four phases: take-off propulsion (P1), hand-foot slap (P2), flight end (P3), and landing cushioning (P4). Joint angles, moments, reaction forces, and vertical GRF (VGRF) were calculated using inverse dynamics. A subject-specific finite element (FE) model of the supporting-side knee was reconstructed from CT and MRI, and the peak landing loads were applied to evaluate internal tissue stresses. Results: and a peak compressive joint reaction force of 22.58 BW. FE analysis showed non-uniform stress distributions, with the highest von Mises stress observed in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL; 54.24 MPa), posterior cruciate ligament (41.79 MPa), medial meniscus (23.53 MPa), and lateral femoral cartilage (9.62 MPa). Discussion: The 322C imposes different mechanical demands on the supporting-side knee across phases. P1 is mainly characterized by rapid knee extension and load transfer, whereas P4 involves high impact, axial compression, shear, and rotational stabilization. The stress concentrations observed in the ACL and anterior regions of the menisci indicate areas of relatively high local loading during the movement. These findings provide biomechanical information for understanding knee loading during the 322C and may help inform technique optimization and injury-prevention strategies in competitive Tai Chi.

Source: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1959458

Authors: Pan Deng, Mengyao Jia, Yong Ma

Institutions: General Administration of Sport of China, Wuhan Sports University

Language: English

Topic: Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801