Reducing the Risk of ACL Injuries in Female Soccer Players

Studies have shown that female athletes are at greater risk for suffering anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries than male athletes participating in the same activities. This gender difference becomes even greater for non-contact ACL injuries, which can occur in simply stopping, turning, or landing from a jump, as opposed to colliding with another player.

The Centers for Disease Control recently released valuable information that coaches and players can use to help reduce the risk of such injuries. The Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program is an alternative 15-minute warm-up program developed by the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Research Foundation that focuses on stretching, strengthening, agility and plyometrics (plyometrics involve jumping and other exercises designed to increase muscles' explosive power). Researchers found that athletes participating in the program had a reduced risk of non-contact ACL injuries. Information about the CDC’s findings and the PEP can be obtained at http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2008/r080725.htm.

• View the PEP Program
• Download and Print the Program [PDF]
• View the Warm-Up Field Diagram

More information can be found at Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicin Research Foundation's site; aclprevent.com.