Return to Sport Testing for ACL and ACL Injury Prevention-Kinesiology 101: How neuromuscular function correlates to ACL injuries

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video titled "Kinesiology 101: How Neuromuscular Function Correlates to ACL Injuries," Darren Padua discusses the loading and injury mechanisms of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He explains that when a tensile load is applied to the ACL, it undergoes elongation until it reaches the ultimate stress capacity and failure point. The ACL is responsible for controlling multiple motions between the tibia and femur, including anterior tibial shear force, tibial internal rotation, and knee abduction. ACL injuries often occur due to combined loading mechanisms that involve anterior tibial shear force, tibial internal rotation, and knee abduction moment. Padua highlights that most ACL injuries are indirect or non-contact in nature and emphasizes the importance of understanding the provocative position of the body during these injuries. He describes the provocative position as involving single-leg landings with a heel-first or foot-flat contact pattern, a less flexed knee, more extended hip, and neutral to mild knee valgus. This position creates high multiplanar ACL loading due to joint compressive forces, posterior sloping of the tibia, impairments in muscle force production and dynamic stability, and a reduced ability to withstand high multiplanar loads. To prevent ACL injuries, Padua suggests focusing on improving movement quality and strengthening the muscles that stabilize the knee and hip.

Asset Caption

Darin Padua, PhD, ATC

Keywords

Kinesiology 101

Neuromuscular Function

ACL Injuries

Loading Mechanisms

Indirect ACL Injuries