Celebration of Scholars
Recommendations for preventing ACL injuries in female athletes considering biomechanical factors and the female triad
Name:
Madeline Jerry
Major: Athletic Training
Hometown: Kenosha
Faculty Sponsor: Laurie Jensen
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project
Name:
Vanesa Acosta
Major: Athletic Training
Hometown: Gurnee
Faculty Sponsor: Laurie Jensen
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Course project
Abstract
Title: Recommendations for preventing ACL injuries in female athletes considering biomechanical factors and the female triad
PICO Questions: In female athletes, how does the female triad affect ACL injury and what biomechanical factors should be considered when creating an ACL prevention program?
Purpose: ACL injuries can be season-ending or career-ending injuries and the long-term cost and disability can be devastating. Athletic trainers work to develop and incorporate cohesive preventative exercise programs that coaches are eager to incorporate. We are in a unique position to be educators for the athletes as well as a reference for coaches and this research will aid those looking to address education and prevention of ACL injuries.
Method: We used a PICO question format to independently analyze research on biomechanical factors and the female triad in order to identify key factors and form a comprehensive recommendation. By combining research topics, we are able to present guidance for prevention of ACL injuries in female athletes starting at a pre-pubescent age through young adulthood.
Conclusion: We have found that factors such joint laxity, anatomical structure, or the female triad (which consists of absence of menstruation, malnutrition, and osteoporosis) contribute to a greater risk of ACL injury. Biomechanical risk factors were identified as a valgus stress on the knee, insufficient knee and hip flexion when landing, and females having more quadriceps activation than hamstring when compared to males. Based on our research, we recommend education on the female triad starting at the pre-pubescent age for female athletes and their support network and ACL prevention programs for coaches to incorporate into warm-ups starting pre-season that consist of neuromuscular training (NMT), strengthening, plyometrics, and feedback.Submit date: March 30, 2020, 11:17 a.m.