Important Body Mechanics to Prevent Injury
Biomechanical movements of the body as well as muscular activation are important for optimal performance. It is also important in avoiding ACL injuries.
Common Mechanism of Injury
About 70% of ACL injuries are non-contact injuries 1
These injuries occur when an athlete suddenly plants during the deceleration phase during a cutting or jumping maneuver. The position of the foot is unplanned, and it causes the knee to move too far forward or medially in relation to the body. The force then placed on the knee is too great and the ACL tears.
Biomechanical Components that Predispose Females
Hip
Increased hip flexion and increased hip abduction have been reported in female athletes who have sustained ACL tears. 2
When looking to prevent these injuries it is important to observe and correct how much hip flexion and abduction the athlete is using to perform activities.
Knee
Decreased knee flexion causes athletes to land with a stiff knee. This impairs dissipation of forces placing more load on the knee.2
Increased knee abduction causes the knee to move more midline in comparison to the body. This places greater load on the ACL and could put it at risk for tears.2
Ankle
Landing from a jump or planting with a flat-foot leads to poor absorption of ground reaction forces. Female athletes with less dorsiflexion and a flat foot approach are at greater risk of ACL injury.2 It is important to train landing and weight shift from toes to heel to improve dissipation of forces.
Trunk
The trunk allows for female athletes to control their posture during movements. Less forward lean can lead to poor balance and compensatory strategies. Increased trunk lean and strength can reduce risk of injury by improving postural control during competitive activity.2
