ACL Injury Risk Factors Decrease &amp; Jumping Performance Improvement in Female Basketball Players: A Prospective Study

Benoît Pairot De Fontenay ,Stéphane Champely ,Florent Lebon ,S Argaud ,Yoann Blache ,Christian Collet ,Karine Monteil

doi:10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.1n.2p.10

Abstract

The aim of this explorative study was to determine the most effective physical training program to reduce neuromuscular risk factors of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear and to improve jumping performance. Twenty-four female basketball players were divided into three groups: Specific Physical Training Group (SPTG), combined specific Physical and Mental Training Group (PMTG) and Control Group (CG). The training program was conducted over a period of eight weeks including two sessions per week during basketball practice. Dynamic valgus, Peak Vertical Impact Force (PVIF), Rate of Force Development (RFD), and jumping performance were measured at pre- and post-tests. When all the participants were pooled, statistics showed a decrease (-36%) in dynamic valgus. No significant results were observed for PVIF and RFD. Jumping performance improved by 12% in SPTG and remained constant in PMTG and CG. Adding specific physical training to basketball practice should be the most effective program to prevent ACL tear while improving jumping performance in young female basketball players.

Highlights

In collective sports, training aims to improve players’ physical, technical and tactical abilities while preserving physical integrity
Twentyfour female basketball players were divided into three groups: Specific Physical Training Group (SPTG), combined specific Physical and Mental Training Group (PMTG) and Control Group (CG)
Peak Vertical Impact Force (PVIF), Rate of Force Development (RFD), and jumping performance were measured at pre- and posttests

Summary

Introduction

In collective sports, training aims to improve players’ physical, technical and tactical abilities while preserving physical integrity. This dual objective is rather difficult to achieve and seems contradictory. Velocity, IJKSS 1 (2):10-18, 2013 strength and power are the most important physical qualities to develop (Cometti, 2002). These parameters can be evaluated by jumping performance, making the vertical jump test an appropriate measuring tool (Cometti, 2002). The female-male ACL injury incidence ratio is greater than 3.5 in basketball (Arendt, Agel, & Dick, 1999; Prodromos, Han, Rogowski, Joyce, & Shi, 2007)

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