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Preventing ACL Injury through Strengthening Exercises
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament is extremely important to
all, as this ligament controls rotational forces in the
knee. If this ligament is torn, sudden changes in
direction become nearly impossible. Prevention of
injuries to the ACL should be part of every training
regime.
Are Women At Higher Risk of ACL Injury?
The causes of ACL injury have recently been the
focus of research. Factors contributing to ACL injuries
include ground hardness, grass type and cleat type. But
one of the other major findings is that women are nearly
three times more likely to have ACL injuries than men.
And some statistics says that a female soccer player is
eight times more likely to injury her ACL than a male
soccer player. Statistically, participants in women’s
basketball and soccer are at a higher risk to tear an
ACL.
There are many theories as to why females are more at
risk for this injury. Some of them include:
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a narrower notch width of the femoral head;
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the relative strength and muscle recruitment pattern
of the hamstring muscles relative to the quads;
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differences in hormone levels on ligament strength
and stiffness
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neuromuscular control
-
high levels of estrogen; and
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lack of proper training at a young age.
Findings have show a difference in neuromuscular control
in women when landing jumps (women appear to have less
hip and knee flexion than men). Most experts believe
that the incidence of ACL tears can be lowered by
instituting some simple changes in the training of not
only female athletes but all athletes.
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