Neuromuscular Training to Prevent Anterior Cruciate Ligamament Injury in the Female Athlete.

                  Donald V. Fischer, MSPT, ATC. CSCS

Summary: Despite the identification of effective anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention exercise programs, female athletes remain at a 4 to 6 fold greater risk of ACL injury compared to male athletes. One possible explanation for the lack of improvement in ACL injury risk in female athletes is an inadequate dissemination of information regarding effective intervention strategies. This article present gender differences in neuromuscular control that may place the female athlete at increased risk for ACL injury and information on the design and implementation of a neuromuscular training program to reduce the risk of ACL injury in the female athlete.

 What you need to know. 

Key Points: 

1. Female athletes 4 to 6 times greater risk
2. Poor dissemination of info in regards to prevention
3. Female athletes demonstrate less neuromuscular control
4. Neuromuscular (NM) training program can reduce ACL injuries in both male and female athlete

Take Home: 

1. Plyometric training increases NM control at knee
1. Emphasis placed on performance with perfect technique
2. Coaches/trainers goal is perfect technique
3. Evaluate performance frequently
4. Immediate feedback to correct mistakes
5. Volume to intensity ratio important
2. Balance and Perturbation Training (even/uneven or soft surface)
1. Core stability and knee over toe is paramount
2. Progress from static to dynamic
3. Eyes open to eyes closed
4. Two leg to one leg

- ACL injury risk factors are reduced by combining resistance training, balance, and plyometric exercises over resistance training alone!

- Most ACL injuries are non-contact in nature.

- Teach proper jumping and landing techniques.