Effects of Neuromuscular Training on ACL Injury Risk in Female Athletes
Author Information
Author(s): Myer Gregory D, Ford Kevin R, Jensen Brent L, Hewett Timothy E
Primary Institution: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Hypothesis
High-risk athletes would decrease knee abduction moments while low-risk and control athletes would not show measurable changes.
Conclusion
High-risk female athletes decreased their knee abduction moments after neuromuscular training, but did not reach levels similar to low-risk athletes.
Supporting Evidence
- High-risk athletes reduced their knee abduction moments by 13% after training.
- Low-risk athletes did not show significant changes in knee abduction moments.
- Control subjects did not demonstrate significant changes in knee abduction moments.
Takeaway
Training can help girls who are at risk of knee injuries jump better and safer, but they still need more help to be as safe as those who are not at risk.
Methodology
Eighteen high school female athletes participated in neuromuscular training 3 times a week for 7 weeks, with knee kinematics and kinetics measured during a drop vertical jump test.
Limitations
The study's classification of high-risk was based on a specific knee abduction moment cutoff, which may not be universally applicable.
Participant Demographics
High school female athletes, mean age 16 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.033
Statistical Significance
p=0.033
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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