Does postural stability improve after using a novel biomechanical device in recreational female athletes at a high risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury?

Authors

Dr Ihab Elzein, University of SalfordFollow

Category

Injury prevention

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is considered one of the most debilitating knee injuries which could occur in any young athlete. Mitigation of the risk factors (e.g., Postural Stability) through training are key in reducing the risk of an ACL injury. However, most neuromuscular training programs require a time-intensive commitment and have a considerable level of complexity and intensity, thus reducing compliance to the programmes. AposTherapy is a novel foot-worn biomechanical device which aims to enhance neuromuscular control and postural stability but has the advantage as a simpler intervention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implementing an unstable footwear device (AposTherapy system), on lower limb biomechanics (postural stability) in recreational female athletes. Individuals wore the device for a period of six weeks and were assessed following this period. The study identified a significant improvement in postural stability in both study intervention groups with the group who just used AposTherapy without any addition exercise showing a higher effect. Utilising foot-worn biomechanical interventions may be an efficient method for mitigating the risks of ACL injury.

Recommended Citation

Elzein, Dr Ihab (2021) "Does postural stability improve after using a novel biomechanical device in recreational female athletes at a high risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury?," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 39: Iss. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol39/iss1/9