Addressing ACL Injuries in Women's Sports: Causes, Prevention, and Challenges

What is it about?

The study examined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes, emphasizing sex-specific risk factors in sports like soccer and basketball. The research was conducted as a narrative review, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines for transparency and reproducibility, focusing on literature from 2000 to 2024. It involved a comprehensive search across four major databases, with a focus on studies written in English and involving female participants. The review highlighted anatomical and hormonal influences as key contributors to the higher incidence of ACL injuries in women. It identified emerging technologies and prevention strategies, such as personalized neuromuscular training and footwear redesign, as potential solutions. The study critically assessed methodological rigor and design of included studies without employing formal bias appraisal tools, due to its narrative synthesis aim. The main findings underscored the multifactorial nature of ACL injury risks in female athletes, necessitating integrated solutions.

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Why is it important?

This study is important as it addresses the disproportionately high rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female athletes, particularly in pivot-heavy sports like soccer and basketball. By identifying sex-specific biomechanical and anatomical risk factors, the research highlights the need for specialized preventive strategies that cater to the unique physiological and hormonal characteristics of female athletes. The study's focus on integrating personalized neuromuscular training programs and exploring innovative technologies such as AI and custom footwear design provides a pathway to reduce injury incidence and improve athletic performance. These insights are vital for bridging the gap in injury prevention between elite and nonelite sports, promoting equity and inclusivity in athletic health management. Key Takeaways: 1. Biomechanical Risk Factors: The study identifies increased dynamic knee valgus, greater internal hip rotation, and distinct landing mechanics as sex-specific biomechanical risk factors contributing to higher ACL injury rates in female athletes. 2. Preventive Strategies: Personalized neuromuscular training programs are emphasized as a key preventive measure, aiming to enhance strength, proprioception, and postural control in female athletes, thereby reducing injury risk. 3. Technological Innovations: The research underscores the potential of wearable technologies and AI platforms in tracking movement patterns, though challenges in cost and scalability for nonelite sports settings remain a barrier to widespread implementation.