ACL injuries are particularly prevalent among female athletes. Some have speculated that the hips may contribute to pathomechanics responsible for increased risk of ACL injury. Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of a hip-focused exercise program to reduce ACL injuries in female basketball players. This 12-year prospective study included a 4-year observation of ACL injury incidence, followed by a basketball-specific exercise intervention including elastic bands and balance boards over the next 8 years.
The researchers noted a 38% decrease in ACL injuries during the intervention period compared to the observation period, with a NNT of 41 (meaning 1 less ACL injury occurred for every 41 athletes in the program). The average compliance was very high at 89%, which is a key component to successful injury reduction program. This hip focused exercise program demonstrated high compliance with a significant decrease in ACL injuries in female basketball players.
Omi Y, et al. Effect of Hip-Focused Injury Prevention Training for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Reduction in Female Basketball Players: A 12-Year Prospective Intervention Study. Am J Sports Med. 2018 Mar;46(4):852-861.
$0.00