In the largest study to date, a simple warm-up program aimed at improving body mechanics and knee alignment resulted in a 64% decerease in the rate of ACL injury. Researchers in Sweden studied over 4600 players in a randomized prospective study (the most accurate way to conduct medical research).
ACL injuries are more than twice as common in female athletes compared to males. They usually occur from non-contact plays involving planting and pivoting and are common in soccer and basketball players. They are such a serious concern that youth sports organizations, the NCAA, and the Olympic Committee are all seeking ways to reduce ACL injuries in youth and young adult female athletes.
This study is not the first to show that a neuromuscular training program involving simple warm-up exercises several times a week is very effective at reducing ACL injuries, In fact, the research is remarkably consistent. It is time for all youth soccer programs, and perhaps other sports as well, to implement this simple program.
The article can be found here.
