ACL tears are a common injury among basketball players. The article, "Differences in Selected Predictors of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears Between Male and Female NCAA Division I Collegiate Basketball Players" not only mentions the prevalence of ACL tears in basketball players, but also focuses on the difference gender plays in the occurrence of ACL injuries. This article was published in the June 1998 publication of The Journal of Athletic Training and is a study looking at the increased risk female athletes’ experience towards ACL tears. According to recent NCAA injury statistics, women basketball players were 6 times more likely to incur an ACL tear than males. This study looked at gender differences in strength, Q-angle, and pronation as predictors of ACL injuries in college basketball players. The author hoped that by identifying specific gender differences, preventive measures could be taken to minimize injury among females.
Results from the study showed that there were some significant differences between male and female muscle strength affecting the tendency to experience ACL injuries. Results showed eccentric hamstrings strength relative to eccentric quadriceps strength and Q-angle measured at 30 degrees of flexion were quite different among males and females. Hamstrings act as protagonists to the ACL in controlling tibial movement. A deficit in eccentric hamstrings strength relative to eccentric quadriceps strength could predispose an athlete to ACL injury.
The study concluded that further research investigating landing mechanics and possible strengthening techniques to address eccentric hamstrings deficits is necessary. This is very important because having identified certain risk factors that make women predominately more susceptible to ACL injuries, researchers can tailor preventative meausures to decraese female risk.
This article was published over ten years ago, and since then, a growing concern and increase of knowledge about athletes and ACL injuries has emerged. ACL Prevention Programs have emerged to reduce modifiable risk factors in woman such as proper landing techniques, strength-training lower extremeities, and proprioceptive-balance training. In March of 2009, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association debuted a public service announcement targeting athletes, coaches, parents, health care professionals and media on the prevention and treatment of ACL injuries. The organizations developed specific recommendations to help female athletes lower the incidence of these types of injuries.
The study concluded that further research investigating landing mechanics and possible strengthening techniques to address eccentric hamstrings deficits is necessary.
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