Differences in Closed-Loop Control of Cutting Movements Between Collegiate Athletes and Non-Athletes

Background: The ability of athletes to make quick adaptations or adjustments in their movement is based on the closed-loop control system. One area of interest in athletic performance is the ability for athletes to perform cutting movements in unpredictable environments. Objective: To determine the interactions of two groups of participants and cutting angles in vertical ground reaction forces (GRFs) and time of foot contact in a closed-loop environment. The study also compared the two given time-frames to process feedback between athletes and non-athletes. Design and Setting: Measurements of the time of foot contact and the active vertical GRF were recorded to compare the movement efficiency. Collegiate athletes and healthy young adults were used for base samples. Subjects: Ten participants (5 collegiate soccer players and 5 healthy young adults) volunteered. Measurements: The time of foot contact and the active vertical GRF were measured in a total of 8 trials in 4 different angles and two different time-frame conditions. Data were analyzed using two 2*4 mixed-design ANOVA, p .05).Significant interaction was found with the angles and the participants in the time of foot contact (F3,24= 4.48, p<.05). Conclusion: The athletes had overall movement efficiency as well as superior information processing system in the closed-loop condition as compared to the non-athletes.