ACL Prevention Programs

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common knee injury in athletes, and recently there has been an increased emphasis on prevention. A large body of research over the past 15 years has demonstrated that prevention programs can be effective in decreasing risk of ACL injury. Approximately 70 % of all ACL injuries are noncontact injuries resulting from various loads and strains on the ACL while jumping and cutting. ACL injury prevention exercises can address these neuromuscular imbalances using a multifaceted approach including proprioception, plyometric, muscular, and strengthening training. There have been several prominent ACL injury prevention programs reported in the literature including Myklebust’s program, the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program, and the Knee Injury Prevention Program (KIPP). Ultimately, knowledge of the mechanism of ACL injury and prevention exercises, combined with increased education and awareness of coaches, parents, trainers, and athletes, will result in fewer ACL tears and injuries.