Training Program May Prevent Soccer-Related Knee Injuries

Posted on January 23, 2010 in Health & Medicine, Parenting, Technology, Women's Health

Knee injuries are like kryptonite for school-aged athletes, leaving them sidelined during one of the busiest times of their lives. But a new training program seems to have good results in preventing injuries from occurring in sports such as soccer and basketball.

A new study conducted by the Archives of Internal Medicine followed 1,506 female soccer players aged 16 to 19 for nine months while they participated in a training program or a control group. The training group concentrated on motor skills and body control, as a means to prepare the young women for sports-specific stresses. Sessions consisted of warm-up, balance, muscle activation, strength and core stability. The other group did its training and warm-up routine as usual.

Among the players who took part in the special training program, three sustained injuries. Although the injuries were serious, all three returned to the field within six months of being hurt. Thirteen players in the control group had knee injuries, most of which were severe. Only four returned to full activity within six months.

The researchers concluded that the training program was linked to a 77% lower frequency of any knee injury, and a 90% lower rate of non-contact knee injuries. Study authors emphasized that the program requires no special equipment and is easy to incorporate into regular sports practices.