The relationship between ACL injuries and physical fitness in young competitive ski racers: a 10-year longitudinal study

(Der Zusammenhang zwischen ACL Verletzungen und körperlicher Fitness bei jungen Skirennfahrern: eine 10-jährige Längsschnittstudie)

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown a high incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among competitive alpine skiers. Little is known regarding modifiable risk factors in young skiers. There are still uncertainties in gender-related risk factors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between ACL injuries and internal risk factors. Methods: Retrospective data analyses were performed based on a group of 175 female and 195 male alpine ski racers between the ages of 14 and 19 years. The athletes underwent physical testing annually from 1996 to 2006. Z score transformations normalised the age groups. Multivariate binary logistic regressions were calculated for men and women separately to detect significant predictors of ACL ruptures. t Tests were computed to reveal the differences in test scores between injured and non-injured athletes. Results: A total of 57 (15%) ACL injuries occurred. The female-male risk ratio (RR) was higher in females (2.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.2). Z scores for relative leg force, ratio of absolute core flexion to extension force, relative core strength and reactive strength index were predictive variables for men. Z scores of all of these predictive variables except relative leg force were higher in the non-injured group. The ratios of absolute flexion to extension force and absolute core strength were predictive covariates for women. Z scores for absolute core strength were higher in the non-injured group. Conclusions: The risk of ACL injury was greater in female athletes. The findings suggest that core strength is a predominant critical factor for ACL injuries in young ski racers.
© Copyright 2012 British Journal of Sports Medicine. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd of the BMA. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Schlagworte: Geschlecht Test Bindegewebe Verletzung alpiner Skisport Nachwuchsleistungssport Kind Kraft
Notationen: Biowissenschaften und Sportmedizin Kraft-Schnellkraft-Sportarten
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091050
Veröffentlicht in: British Journal of Sports Medicine
Veröffentlicht: 2012
Jahrgang: 46
Heft: 15
Seiten: 1065-1071
Dokumentenarten: Artikel
Sprache: Englisch
Level: hoch