The study by Pollard et. al (2017) has investigated the kinematics and kinetics during the drop-landing test. They might have confirmed that through introducing the PEP ( Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance) program can reduce the incidence of ACL injury. This was reasoned by the fact that the person is using a hip strategy to prevent the increase in knee loading.
The study included 30 female soccer players. Pre and posttraining measurements were taken via a biomechanical assessment of knee joint kinematics and kinetics before and after a 12 week ACL injury prevention program. Each measurement took place 2 weeks before and after the pogram.
Subjects were found to be enough to show statistical significance and clear exclusion criteria were met (1) no history previous ACL injury (2) previous injury which could result in ligamentous injury in the ankle, hip and knee (3) other medical / neurological condition that could impair proper landing (4) previous participation in ACL injury prevention program.
Clear information was given with regards to their biomechanical analysis of kinematics and kinetics where they used an 8 camera, 3D motion system and 2 separate force plates.
Results depicted a decreased knee extensor moment but no significant change in hip extensor moment. Despite an increased hip extensor energy absorption a statistical change was not measured in the knee extensor energy absorption. Knee/hip extensor moment and energy absorption ratios were decreased post-training.
They have concluded that the reduction of ACL injury can be attributed to above biomechanical mechanism ( decreased knee/hip extensor moment and energy absorption ratio can ). Introducing, a hip strategy through a PEP program can prevent occurence of such knee injury.
