Tailoring ACL injury prevention programs to match age appropriate motor skill proficiency in early adolescent females
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is essential for knee stability, connecting the femur to the tibia and preventing excessive forward movement and rotation of the tibia. ACL injuries are notably more prevalent in females, due to a combination of anatomical, hormonal, and biomechanical factors. Nonmodifiable risk factors include anatomical characteristics and hormonal fluctuations. Modifiable risk factors encompass neuromuscular and biomechanical elements Addressing these modifiable factors through targeted injury prevention programs (IPPs) can significantly reduce the incidence of ACL injuries in females.However, a literature review revealed that younger females often struggle with the exercises prescribed in existing IPPs. This led to the development of a novel IPP tailored to the neuromuscular capabilities of this specific age group. The new IPP will be evaluated using a movement model designed for pre-adolescent movement patterns (TGMD-2) and include ACL-specific assessments such as muscle dynamometry and LESS scoring. The results of this study will enhance understanding of the practical implementation of ACL IPPs, contributing to a more effective and comprehensive prevention strategy for the future.
Description
2024