Why are women at higher risk for ACL injuries?

Why are women at higher risk for ACL injuries?

Male and female athletes tend to have differences in how they maneuver in a jump or cut, which puts women at higher risk for injury.

Women tend to activate their quadriceps first, while men tend to activate their hamstrings first. This difference in activation may alter the amount of strain applied to the ACL and other knee ligaments.

In addition, after a jump, women tend to land with their knees closer together than men. Athletes who land with their knees farther apart seem to have less risk of ACL injury.

Fatigue as factor in ACL injuries

Fatigue is a hazard for both male and female athletes. Tired athletes are more likely to use poor mechanics. For example, they may land with their knees closer together. This is especially true when a fatigued athlete makes a split-second decision to execute an unexpected move.

Proper training can help prevent injuries

Studies show that training programs supervised by sports health professionals improve athletes’ leg strength and jump-landing techniques.

Proper training decreases ACL injury rates in basketball, volleyball and soccer. The techniques that improve ACL safety can also enhance performance, and increase vertical jump height, acceleration and the ability to change direction.

Nothing can prevent ACL injuries altogether. But exploring their potential causes and maximizing prevention strategies can stop the “pop” and its frustrating consequences.