Insufficient hamstring strength compromises landing technique in adolescent girls

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Female athletes have a higher incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures compared to males, with this disparity emerging during puberty.
• Hamstring muscles are crucial for stabilizing the knee during landing by limiting anterior tibial translation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if lower hamstring strength in pubescent girls is associated with altered lower limb biomechanics during a functional landing task.
• To determine the relationship between hamstring strength and landing biomechanics in young female athletes.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-three healthy girls (age 10-13) at pubertal onset were assessed for hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength.
• Participants were categorized into lower and higher hamstring strength groups based on peak concentric torque.
• Landing biomechanics were analyzed using ground reaction forces, electromyography, and kinematic data.

Main Results:

• Girls with lower hamstring strength exhibited significantly greater knee abduction alignment.
• Reduced hip abduction moments were observed in the lower hamstring strength group.
• Higher anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading was detected in girls with lower hamstring strength during landing.

Conclusions:

• Reduced hamstring strength in pubescent girls is linked to impaired control of lower limb frontal plane alignment.
• This biomechanical deficit contributes to increased anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading, elevating injury potential.
• Targeted hamstring strengthening may be beneficial for reducing ACL injury risk in young female athletes.