Evidence Based Analysis: Discussion of the relationship between prophylactic management of predisposing risk factors and non contact ACL injuries with female athletes

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this project was to determine if the number of non‐contact ACL injuries could be reduced in female soccer athletes with predisposing risk factors to an ACL injury.MethodsA peer reviewed literature search was conducted using databases such as the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Journal of the APTA, and CINATHOL. Article inclusion was based on level of evidence and key words that were related to the clinical question.ResultsFive of the 23 articles selected discussed risk factors, 9 discussed neuromuscular control, 6 discussed hyperpronation of the subtalar joint, 2 discussed anterior knee laxity, and 1 discussed male versus female athletic differences.ConclusionsA synthesis of the evidence identifying hyperpronation of the subtalar joint, anterior knee laxity, and neuromuscular control deficits as treatments to decrease the number of non‐contact ACL injuries in female athletes. The literature also suggested treatment should include prophylactic management to include Low‐Dye taping, insertion of a medial wedge orthotic, and preseason neuromuscular control‐training regime lasting six weeks. The neuromuscular training should include exercises that focused on feed forward techniques. According to the literature, these techniques were comprised of flexibility, muscular strengthening, plyometrics, core strengthening, sport related drills, and balance exercises.RelevanceThis evidence based research project reinforces anatomical concepts as the basis for treatment of non‐contact ACL injuries. Combining an understanding of the anatomy and applying the techniques identified in the literature the number of ACL injuries, amount of time lost during sport participation, and amount of health care dollars spent may be reduced for the identified population.