ACL injuries are reaching epidemic levels in field and court sports, with female athletes being 3 to 6 times more likely than their male counterparts to suffer from these debilitating injuries. Countries like Australia, hold the unfortunate title of having the highest rates of ACL reconstructions globally, and sadly their numbers are increasing roughly 5% annually. Young female athletes are particularly at risk, mirroring similar trends in the United States, Finland and Sweden.
The Long-Term Impact
Despite the innovations in ACL procedures and even rehab the aftermath of an ACL rupture can be life-changing. Despite surgical reconstruction and rigorous rehabilitation, only about one-third return to their pre-injury levels of training or competition. Alarmingly, 25% experience a second ACL injury, and an astonishing 50–90% develop knee osteoarthritis within 10–15 years.
These statistics highlight the critical need for better prevention, rehabilitation strategies, and support systems for women in sports.
I can not statistically verify this statement, the large number of reoccurrences often has to do with the fact that these athletes may have completed the required minimum amount of physical therapy sessions but:
- They never corrected the mechanical deficiencies that led to the injury.
- Did not follow a return to play plan between the time of being released from PT and returning to the field or court.
- Do not add critical strength training to their schedule once released.
- Do not take recovery seriously once they return to the court and field.
The above is my qualitative and observation as a coach and Owner of the Chicago Parisi Speed School.
How Do ACL Injuries Happen?
Most ACL injuries in field and court sports occur without physical contact. Movements like quick directional changes, sudden deceleration, or improper landing mechanics are the primary culprits.
Common biomechanical issues observed during these injuries include:
- Dynamic knee valgus: When the knee collapses inward.
- Limited knee flexion: A lack of bend in the knee during movement.
- Trunk misalignment: A lateral or rotated trunk position.
- Flat foot contact: Poor ground engagement upon landing.
- Deceleration Skills: Athlete does not have critical deceleration skills which are critical when mastering changes in speed and directional movement.
From a biomechanical perspective, the peak strain on the ACL occurs when there are multi-planar forces at play, including an anterior tibial drawer force, knee valgus, and internal tibial rotation. These forces can combine to create a perfect storm for injury.
What Can Be Done?
With female athletes being so susceptible to ACL injuries, prevention programs must take center stage. Strength training, neuromuscular conditioning, and movement education can significantly reduce injury risk. This is the foundation of respected programs like the Parisi Speed School.
By teaching athletes how to land, decelerate, and move efficiently, we can help protect their knees and prolong their careers.
Reducing the prevalence of ACL injuries in female sports isn’t just a medical priority; it’s a commitment to the health, safety, and success of the next generation of athletes.
The Parisi Speed School has become a trusted program for teaching speed and athletic movement mechanics, offering a results-driven approach that helps athletes perform with higher movement literacy. By focusing on key techniques like proper deceleration, efficient changes of direction, and the effective application of force to the ground, Parisi Speed Coaches equip athletes with the skills necessary to reduce injury risk while excelling in their sport.
These mechanics address common vulnerabilities in female youth and teen athletes, such as knee valgus and poor landing control, which are major contributors to ACL and other non-contact injuries. Through Parisi’s targeted training, athletes not only enhance their speed and agility ,but also build the foundational movement patterns critical for long-term success and safety on the field or court.
The large resource for this article was the from Valid Performance.
