2023, Volume 16, Issue 11, pp 1591 – 1596

Role of kinetic chain in sports performance and injury risk: a narrative review

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Authors and Affiliations

Corresponding Author: Shibili Nuhmani Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Email: snuhmani@iau.edu.sa

Abstract

The kinetic chain refers to the body’s intricate coordination of various segments to perform a specific activity involving precise positioning, timing, and speed. This process is based on task-oriented and activity-specific pre-programmed muscle activation patterns enhanced by repeated practice. It demands muscular eccentric strength, joint flexibility, and musculotendinous elastic energy storage. The body core (lumbopelvic–hip complex) forms the kinetic chains’ central point of activities in most sports because it facilitates load transfers to and from the limbs. The kinetic chain relationship with fascia, peripheral nerves, and tensegrity is fundamental to holistic human body movements. The kinetic chain function demands neuromuscular, sensorimotor, and neurocognitive control. Any blockage or defect in the kinetic chain can develop compensatory patterns, high demands on distal parts, and overuse and overload injuries. Taking a holistic approach and evaluating the integrity of the kinetic chain in athletes can significantly enhance efforts to improve sports performance and mitigate injury risk.

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About this article

PMC ID: 10893580
PubMed ID: 
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0087

Article Publishing Date (print): 11 2023
Available Online: 

Journal information

ISSN Printing: 1844-122X
ISSN Online: 1844-3117
Journal Title: Journal of Medicine and Life

Copyright License: Open Access

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use and redistribution provided that the original author and source are credited.


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