Date of Award

Spring 2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

Department

Human Movement Sciences

Program/Concentration

Athletic Training

Committee Director

James Onate

Committee Director

Bonnie Van Lunen

Committee Member

Stacie Ringleb

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.E44 M226 2010

Abstract

Researchers have attempted to determine the effects of strength, flexibility, agility, and plyometric training, as well as expert feedback on biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Currently, the literature lacks information regarding athletes' ability to retain adaptations made during programs designed to reduce biomechanical risk factors for ACL injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week strength and agility program on lower extremity kinetics and kinematics of collegiate athletes immediately following training and after a 11-week retention period. Ten NCAA Division I female soccer players free of lower extremity injury, volunteered to participate in the study. Subjects performed a running stop-jump task at pre-training, after 10-weeks of training (post-training), and after an 11-week retention time from post-training to assess lower extremity biomechanics. The 10-week training program consisted of resistance training two times per week and field training, consisting of plyometric, agility, and speed drills, two times per week. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist provided constant augmented feedback throughout the training. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during 5 trials of a running-stop task. This study assessed lower extremity kinematic and kinetics at pre-training, post-training and retention during a running stop-jump task. Separate repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess differences between testing times (pre, post, and retention). Statistical significance was set a priori at pp>0.05.There were no other statistical differences at any time instance for any dependent measure. The primary finding of this study was that the intervention program positively affected frontal plane knee alignment at initial contact during the running stop-jump. Our current study found an improvement in a theorized biomechanical risk factor for ACL injuries at a time in which the injuries are most likely to occur. There was no retention effect in any variable.

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DOI

10.25777/ck9n-c319

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