It has been known for over a decade that female athletes especially those playing soccer and basketball suffer a disproportionate share of ACL tears. Four categories have been cited as risk factors predisposing women to ACL injuries: environmental, anatomic, hormonal and biomechanical. The anatomic differences in the shape of a woman's hip and pelvis, the hormonal effects of the menstrual cycle, the increased flexibility and laxity in a woman’s muscular and ligamentous structure have all been shown to contribute to the increased occurrence of injuries. When compared to men, women take a millisecond longer to respond with force during activity. This delay is significant enough to increase the likelihood of an injury. Women’s muscles have been shown to react differently when landing, in particular the hamstrings which provide just a third of the shock absorption men create.
Did you know that:
· Of the 100,000 ACL injuries that occur every year, 30,000 occur to female athletes age 15-25
· 70% of ACL injuries occur without contact of any kind, usually in game situations, especially late in the game
· 64% of injuries occur when Jumping or landing
· Girls who participate in Neuromuscular training programs are 9 times less likely to injure their ACL.
· Of the 100,000 ACL injuries that occur every year, 30,000 occur to female athletes age 15-25
· 70% of ACL injuries occur without contact of any kind, usually in game situations, especially late in the game
· 64% of injuries occur when Jumping or landing
· Girls who participate in Neuromuscular training programs are 9 times less likely to injure their ACL.
At the Chiropractic Sports and Wellness Center we realize we can’t change certain contributing factors (hip Q angle, menstrual cycles), however we can change lower body strength, core strength and stability as well as balance and proprioception. Mounting research shows that women can significantly reduce their risk of injury by performing special exercise programs. Our programs lead athletes through a series of progressively challenging strengthening exercises, plyometrics and agility drills. Our instructors will teach participants how to recognize unsafe knee positions and improve muscle control of their knee motion. Our goals are to improve dynamic knee stability, reduce risk of knee injuries, and enhance athletic performance.
Ultimately we will help you increase performance and limit injury.
No comments:
Post a Comment