Some have implicated the supposed negative effects of estrogen and other hormones associated with menstruation on ligament strength. More recently, attention has focused on evaluating the manner in which young athletes perform simple tasks such as running and jumping.
Recent evidence demonstrates that male and female athletes perform these tasks differently. Three factors in particular have been identified:. Women may be more prone to non-contact ACL injuries because they run and cut sharply in a more erect posture than men, and bend their knees less when landing from a jump. Why women and girls are more prone to ACL injuries than men and boys defies easy explanation is also likely due to a number of anatomical and hormonal differences between men and women:.
View more news. Lifecare Close. ACL injuries - Why is the prevelance higher in women? List of Partners vendors. Female athletes are known to have a higher risk of injuring their anterior cruciate ligament , or ACL, while participating in competitive sports. The chance of ACL tear in female athletes has been found to be two to eight times higher than in male counterparts.
Variations in risk depend on the study population, including the particular sport. Numerous theories about why women tear their ACL more commonly than men have been proposed. The most recent research points to differences in the biomechanics the way our bodies move of male and female athletes.
Numerous studies have been done to investigate ACL tears in female athletes, and what is well known is that in sports that place a significant demand on the ACL , such as basketball, soccer, cheerleading, and others, ACL injuries are up to eight times more common in women than in men. It's no secret that men and women are built differently, have differently shaped skeletons, and have different body types.
The most conclusive evidence has shown that ACL injury rates are most significantly influenced by these differences in the biomechanics of men and women. Some of the differences include:. The way we move our biomechanics can be modified through neuromuscular training programs. These training programs "teach" our body safer, more stable movements that place less stress on the joints.
As such, neuromuscular training programs can also lower the risk of ACL injury in female athletes. Prevention of ACL tears has been shown to be effective with the utilization of these neuromuscular training programs. These programs teach athletes' muscles to better control the stability of their joints. Studies have shown when women perform these neuromuscular training programs, their risk of ACL tears drops down to the risk of men tearing their ACL.
If you suspect you have an ACL injury, see your healthcare provider to ensure you get a proper diagnosis. Doing so will ensure you proceed with an appropriate treatment plan to promote healing and avoid further damage. Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day.
Athletes will also want to consider an evidence-based, sport-specific training program. These programs will not only help athletes lower their risk of an injury but will also improve their performance. While every athlete faces the risk of a torn ACL, this is far too often a reality for women playing soccer or basketball. And even with proper prevention methods, injuries can still happen. Early treatment from an orthopaedic specialist is crucial for not only reducing painful swelling but also for preventing the development of osteoarthritis.
And, of course, the earlier the treatment begins the sooner an athlete can return to her sport. We also provide a walk-in clinic in Northern Kentucky for immediate orthopaedic care. SAFI R. HESS, D. SAM B. KOO, M. IAN S. RICE, M.
0コメント