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Reduced hamstring strength increases anterior cruciate ligament loading during anticipated sidestep cutting
Joshua T Weinhandl1, Jennifer E Earl-Boehm2, Kyle T Ebersole2
1Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|June 28, 2014
Summary
Reduced hamstring strength significantly increases anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading during sidestep cuts in female athletes. Monitoring hamstring strength may help identify athletes at higher risk for ACL injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Dynamic knee stability is crucial for reducing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loads.
- In vitro studies show hamstring force impacts ACL loading, but in-vivo data during athletic tasks are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of hamstring strength on ACL loading during anticipated sidestep cutting maneuvers.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen female athletes performed sidestep cuts before and after induced hamstring strength reduction.
- Kinematic and kinetic data were collected, and a musculoskeletal model estimated joint and ACL loads.
- Dependent t-tests compared outcomes between conditions.
Main Results:
- ACL loading increased by 36% with reduced hamstring strength, primarily due to increased sagittal (44%) and frontal (24%) plane loading.
- Despite decreased anterior tibiofemoral shear force, overall hamstring weakness led to higher ACL stress.
- Altered hamstring line of action contributed to the net increase in ACL loading.
Conclusions:
- Decreased hamstring strength significantly elevates ACL loading during sidestep cutting.
- Preseason screening should assess hamstring strength in female athletes to identify injury risk.
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