A new study out of Sweden has found that lower body strength may be a key factor in identifying traumatic knee injury risk in young female athletes, although the same results were not seen in young male athletes.
Researchers were interested in learning more about the role of lower extremity (LE) strength in predicting traumatic knee injury in young athletes. For the study, researchers asked 225 high school senior athletes to report any traumatic knee injuries they experienced during athletics. One repetition of a barbell squat was also recorded to sort participants into weak or strong LE groups.
Knee Injury Risk Tied To Lower Extremity Strength
Over the course of the study, researchers tracked 63 reported knee injuries, including 18 ACL injuries. After looking at the data, researchers found that the majority of the injured female athletes were in the weak LE group. Moreover, the odds of sustaining a traumatic knee injury and an ACL injury were 9.5 times higher and 7 times higher respectively in the weak LE group of female athletes compared to those in the strong LE group. Interestingly, no strength-injury relationships were observed in male athletes.
The findings led researchers to conclude that lower extremity muscle strength should be included in injury screens in youth female athletes. It could also be beneficial for young female athletes who slot into these weak LE groups to work with a physical therapist or athletic trainer to help improve their muscle strength and in turn reduce their risk of a significant knee injury.
Of course, if you end up suffering a significant leg, ankle or foot injury, Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot want to help you get back on your feet. For help overcoming ankle sprains, foot fractures or any injury you suffer during athletic or recreational activities, give Dr. Silverman and his team a call today at (952) 224-8500.
