Can A Nine Month  Training Program Prevent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries? : A Study on Adolescent Alpine Skiers

Sammanfattning: AbstractBackground. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries can have an influence on the rest of the person’slife, with difficulties to participate in sports or limit the choice of work and leisure activities. Earlier studieshave successfully decreased ACL injuries with strength training in different sports, however no study havebeen made on competitive alpine ski racers. The purpose of the study is to see if a nine month strengthtraining program for the lower extremities and core can increase strength and prevent ACL injuries inadolescents who compete in alpine skiing. Method. Twelve adolescents (mean age 13,1) trained a specialdesigned training program for nine months, twice a week, to improve strength and control in the lowerextremities and core. Eight adolescents (mean age 14,1) functioned as a control group (CG) and trainednormal during the intervention time. Both groups performed the baseline- and end point test in April 2011 andApril 2012. Result. Significant results were found in the training group, especially hamstring left and right(mean diff. 36,9sec P= 0,025 resp. 26,0sec P=0,021). The CG reported three knee injuries, while the TG none.Conclusion. Significant results are limited; however, the TG increased strength significant in the hamstrings,which is an important factor in preventing ACL injuries. Additionally, the CG had three knee injuries duringthe intervention while the TG had none, also suggesting that the training program was successful.