ACL injuries are one of the most debilitating injuries out there for professional athletes, but it’s vital to note that tears are not the exclusive domain of the pros. These types of injuries are growing alarmingly common among youth athletes, especially females.
A recent report out of Canada highlighted research from the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness that took a closer look at this disturbing trend. Featured in the Pediatrics journal, the study found that an ACL tear was actually most prevalent among teenage females over the age of 15, with soccer among such athletes being the leading sport where the tears occurred. That was followed by football for males and basketball and gymnastics for females.
The researchers behind that study had some ideas about why the injury potential seems to be growing larger over time. They acknowledged that some of the increase in injuries in recent years could simply be attributable to the fact that we’re better at identifying an ACL tear than we were in the past. That said, they also believe that the higher-stress training regimens young athletes are currently expected to take part in can increase susceptibility.
The good news is that it’s possible to train in a way that minimizes injury potential. Attention should be paid to improving jumping and running mechanics in a way that uses momentum rather than working against it.
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