ABCs of Evidence-based Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Strategies in Female Athletes

Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep. 2015 Mar 1;3(1):43-49. doi: 10.1007/s40141-014-0076-8.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a major concern in physically active females. Although ACL reconstruction techniques have seen significant advances in recent years, risk associated with re-injury and future osteoarthritis remains a major concern. Thus, prevention of ACL injury is a logical step to protect and preserve healthy knee joints in young athletes. The current report aims to summarize a list of evidence-based prevention strategies to reduce ACL injury in female athletes. A list of six critical principles, which come from documented, large scale clinical trial studies and further analyses, were presented with ABC format including age, biomechanics, compliance, dosage, exercise, and feedback. Also, a grade for evidence and implications of future research is noted. Finally, in the conclusion section, importance of collaborative efforts from healthcare practitioners, researchers, and personnel associated with athletics is addressed.

Keywords: ACL; Evidence-based; Female athletes; Prevention; Strategies.