Prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Within Women's Football - An Exercise Package

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to create an exercise package containing evidence based, research proven exercises for the prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in women’s football that can be used by both players and coaches. Injury prevention programs have been shown to reduce the risk of injury in women’s football and by combining the exercises into one package it will make them more accessible to the players and coaches.

The thesis was carried out in collaboration with the first team of a local football club that compete in the top division of women’s football in Finland, Nice Futis Football Club and feedback was obtained from the players and coaches to establish the most user friendly format for the package. The exercise package was formulated using exercises from recent studies that have shown to reduce injuries when implemented into a training plan. The thesis also explores the factors leading to injury risk and why women are more at risk than their male counterparts.

The use of photos and written explanations in the exercise package allows for maximum learning potential while keeping the package simple to use. The recording of injuries throughout the season also allows for future evaluation of the exercise package and its impact on injury rates. This acts as a motivational tool when players and coaches can see the positive effects of implementing the exercises provided.