ACL Injury Risk Factors Decrease & Jumping Performance Improvement in Female Basketball Players: A Prospective Study

Abstract

The aim of this explorative study was to determine the most effective physical training program to reduce neuromuscular risk factors of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear and to improve jumping performance. Twenty-four female basketball players were divided into three groups: Specific Physical Training Group (SPTG), combined specific Physical and Mental Training Group (PMTG) and Control Group (CG). The training program was conducted over a period of eight weeks including two sessions per week during basketball practice. Dynamic valgus, Peak Vertical Impact Force (PVIF), Rate of Force Development (RFD), and jumping performance were measured at pre- and post-tests. When all the participants were pooled, statistics showed a decrease (-36%) in dynamic valgus. No significant results were observed for PVIF and RFD. Jumping performance improved by 12% in SPTG and remained constant in PMTG and CG. Adding specific physical training to basketball practice should be the most effective program to prevent ACL tear while improving jumping performance in young female basketball players.