Description
This presentation is delivered by Markus Walden, an orthopedic surgeon and associate professor from Linkoping University, focusing on the prevention of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries in football players. Waldin shares insights from over 20 years of research that began with injury surveillance studies in Sweden, particularly highlighting that players with prior ACL injuries are more susceptible to future injuries. He discusses the evolution of research methodologies leading to larger sample sizes and the complexities involved in ACL injury prevention, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention strategies based on age, gender, and competitive level.
Waldin outlines the findings from a major injury prevention program called "Knee Control," implemented in Swedish teenage female players, which demonstrated a significant reduction in ACL injuries. The efficacy of prevention programs is also linked to adherence and consistency in execution, as seen in teams showing high compliance that reported dramatic decreases in injury rates.
The discussion further delves into the variation of risk factors contributing to ACL injuries and the importance of understanding whether it is a first-time or repeated injury. He outlines a stark increase in ACL injuries observed during the recent pandemic year among elite female football players, alongside notable trends observed in male professional players regarding the recurrence of ACL injuries.
Towards the end of the talk, Walden emphasizes that psychological readiness is just as important as physical recovery in return-to-play decisions, pointing out the need for further research into psychological aspects of injury recovery. The session wraps up with a call for more comprehensive studies on ACL injuries, exploring beyond traditional risk factors.