Warm-up protocol for preventing ACL injuries among junior female basketball players
Mäkelä, Iina (2025)
Avaa tiedosto
Lataukset:
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121235315
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121235315
Tiivistelmä
Anterior cruciate ligamentum (ACL) is one of the most important ligaments in the knee. The main functions are preventing abnormal tibial movement and supporting joint function. ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries among female athletes, especially with basketball players. Female players tend to injure their ACL 2 to 8 times more likely, compared to male athletes.
This thesis aimed to spread knowledge of ACL injury prevention in junior female basketball players. The objectives of the thesis were to create an evidence-based warmup protocol, for players aged 12-16 years, designed to use by athletes, coaches and physiotherapists. The protocol, which was provided in Finnish and English, was made for BC Nokia Junior association, and it will be instructed to the players and coaches.
Research focused on the anatomy and function of the ACL, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, ACL injuries and injury mechanisms in basketball and lastly, ACL injury prevention. By gathering the evidence-based information and recognizing the main point of the preventive mechanisms, the warmup protocol was created.
The protocol includes neuromuscular training, strength, plyometrics training and agility. Exercises and movements are explained; the protocol was designed to be easy to understand, and executable. The warmup protocol differs from previous protocols, since this was designed specifically for adolescent female basketball players. This protocol will be provided to a basketball club, and the feedback will be collected verbally from the players, coaches and physiotherapists.
The risk of ACL injuries is increased with female athletes, although the exact causes remain inconsistent. Prevention programs can reduce the risk, but not eliminate it, especially when the main focus is on neuromuscular training.
This thesis aimed to spread knowledge of ACL injury prevention in junior female basketball players. The objectives of the thesis were to create an evidence-based warmup protocol, for players aged 12-16 years, designed to use by athletes, coaches and physiotherapists. The protocol, which was provided in Finnish and English, was made for BC Nokia Junior association, and it will be instructed to the players and coaches.
Research focused on the anatomy and function of the ACL, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, ACL injuries and injury mechanisms in basketball and lastly, ACL injury prevention. By gathering the evidence-based information and recognizing the main point of the preventive mechanisms, the warmup protocol was created.
The protocol includes neuromuscular training, strength, plyometrics training and agility. Exercises and movements are explained; the protocol was designed to be easy to understand, and executable. The warmup protocol differs from previous protocols, since this was designed specifically for adolescent female basketball players. This protocol will be provided to a basketball club, and the feedback will be collected verbally from the players, coaches and physiotherapists.
The risk of ACL injuries is increased with female athletes, although the exact causes remain inconsistent. Prevention programs can reduce the risk, but not eliminate it, especially when the main focus is on neuromuscular training.