Knee joint biomechanics during lunges at different tibial angles and external loads: a musculoskeletal analysis with finite element insights.

Abstract

This study investigates knee joint biomechanics during lunges under varying tibial angles and external loads using musculoskeletal modeling and finite element analysis. Twenty-six healthy young men performed lunges at tibial inclination angles relative to the ground (60° and 90°) under two external load conditions. Knee joint moment was higher at 60° than at 90°. External load affected knee stiffness, with lower rotational stiffness under the 98 N external-load condition. Under the 90° tibial-angle condition with external load, peak stress and displacement were concentrated in the posterior horn of the meniscus. These findings provide biomechanical support for lunge-based training and rehabilitation.