Celebration of Scholars
Implementing an ACL Prevention Program: A Review of the Literature on ACL Injury Prevention in Female Athletes
Name:
Madeline Jerry
Major: Athletic Training
Hometown: Kenosha
Faculty Sponsor: Laurie Jensen
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Independent research
Abstract
Title: Implementing an ACL Prevention Program: A Review of the Literature on ACL Injury Prevention in Female Athletes
Purpose: ACL injuries can be season-ending injuries and the long-term cost and disability can be devastating. Females experience a greater risk for this injury due to several factors, one of the modifiable ones being biomechanical. This review of the literature on ACL prevention in female athletes aims to identify key biomechanical risk factors and components of ACL prevention programs that will allow clinicians to implement a comprehensive program. Athletic trainers work to develop and incorporate cohesive preventative exercise programs that encourage compliance by coaching staff. We are in a unique position to be educators for the athletes as well as a reference for coaches.
Methods: A search of peer-reviewed journals was used to analyze research on ACL prevention programs in order to identify key biomechanical risk factors and evidence-based components of ACL prevention programs. 20 peer-reviewed sources were gathered using the keywords: ACL prevention program, ACL prevention, Females, Female athletes, Risk, Biomechanics, Neuromuscular, Feedback.
Conclusion:. Biomechanical risk factors identified were valgus stress on the knee, insufficient knee and hip flexion when landing, and females having more quadriceps activation than hamstring compared to males. After reviewing the literature, it is recommended that ACL prevention programs be incorporated into warm-ups starting pre-season and consist of neuromuscular training (NMT), strengthening, plyometrics, and feedback.
Submit date: Feb. 26, 2021, 8:38 p.m.