Effects of a Knee Ligament Injury Prevention Exercise Program on Impact Forces in Women

Abstract

Previous research suggests high impact forces generated during landings contribute to noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. In women, neuromuscular differences appear to modify the ability to dissipate landing forces when compared to men. This study examined peak vertical impact forces (F(p)) and rate of force development (RFD) following a 9-week, low-intensity (simple jump-landing-jump tasks) and volume (number of foot contacts per workout) plyometric-based knee ligament injury prevention (KLIP) program. Female subjects were randomly assigned into control (n = 14) and treatment (n = 14) groups. Treatment subjects attended KLIP sessions twice a week for 9 weeks, and control subjects received no intervention. Ground reaction forces (F(p) and RFD) generated during a step-land protocol were assessed at study onset and termination. Significant reductions in F(p) (p = 0.0004) and RFD (p = 0.0205) were observed in the treatment group. Our results indicate that 9 weeks of KLIP training altered landing strategies in women to lower F(p) and RFD. These changes are considered conducive to a reduced risk of knee injury while landing.

The effect of aquatic and land plyometric training on the vertical jump and delayed onset muscle soreness in brazilian soccer players

“…This lower rate of force development (RFD) impact suggests reductions in the stress to the musculoskeletal system [40]. In another study, the impact force and impact force development rate were two parameters that indirectly indicated the stress level that the musculoskeletal system receives [41]. Therefore, aquatic jumps could generate less joint stress because impact force RFD can be 80% slower in water than on dry land [13].…”

Muscle Strength in the Lower Extremity Does Not Predict Postinstruction Improvements in the Landing Patterns of Female Athletes

“…4 These neuromuscular risk factors are particularly interesting to rehabilitation specialists, as they represent factors that may be amendable to training intervention. In fact, ACL injury prevention programs have had success in correcting potentially risky landing patterns 10,14,20,26 and also in reducing the rate of injury in female athletes. 7,16,22 Not all training programs have had significant success in reducing ACL injury rates, and female athletes may not universally experience the same magnitude of landing pattern improvement.…”

Effect of body mass and midsole hardness on kinetic and perceptual variables during basketball landing manoeuvres

“…A two-year audit of Canadian intercollegiate basketball found that the most common injuries sustained by players involved the ankle and knee regions (Meeuwisse, Sellmer, & Hagel, 2003). This is likely due to the inability of the muscular-skeletal system at these regions to adequately attenuate forces (Irmischer, Harris, Debeliso, Adams, & Shea, 2004). Therefore, appropriate impact force attenuation is important to reduce the risk of injury.…”