Are Female Athletes More Likely to Tear Their ACL’s?

Female athletes tear their anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) at an alarmingly higher rate in certain sports, including basketball, team handball, and soccer. The incidence of female to male is 3.5 times greater in basketball and 2.8 times greater in soccer. 

It has been determined that the categories of risk factors for ACL injuries in athletes are anatomical, environmental, hormonal, and biomechanical. Neuromuscular factors appear to be the most important reason for the higher rate of ACL injuries in females compared to males. The at-risk situations for non-contact ACL injuries appear to be deceleration, cutting or changing directions, and landing.

Research and studies have shown that knee alignment during vertical jumping, and Quadriceps: Hamstrings ratio are significant modifiable risk factors that contribute to ACL injuries. Studies have also proven that a greater than 10% power discrepancy between the right and left leg increases the individual's susceptibility of injury by 50%.  

What can I do to decrease my risk of tearing an ACL?

At Biokinetics Rehab, we have developed an enhanced assessment procedure to identify the risk and areas of concern with confidence as the kinetic chain is captured in all three planes with our biomechanical video analysis system.  We can compare the objective data as is detects asymmetries and gain insight on the compensatory biomechanics on an individual.

Our advanced 3D joint tracking system calculates the degree and rate of valgus collapse as well as the jump force output. This objective data provides the opportunity to measure client fatigue, compensatory loading, and landing patterns as well as progressions or regressions over time using trend data.

Following a video analysis, musculoskeletal evaluation, and agility assessment, we will initiate a precise training program over a four-week period focused on footwork, lateral movement, strength, stabilization, and plyometric exercises to address potential deficits in the strength and coordination of the stabilizing muscles around the knee joint.

Contact Biokinetics Rehab to begin your ACL Injury Prevention Program now ; you can call us to make an appointment right now at (828) 528-1222.  

You will receive personalized therapy from a board-certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist with extensive knowledge and training in strength and conditioning to reduce to risk of ACL injury.  

We will make every attempt to get you seen within 24-48 hours instead of having to wait weeks for an appointment.  We have the ability to spend the time needed to address your concerns and have the knowledge and experience to restore you to your highest level of function.