Citation

Iversen MD, Friden C. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2009; 19(4): 595-602.

Affiliation

Graduate Programs in Physical Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1600-0838.2008.00817.x

PMID

18627558

Abstract

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention program was evaluated. One hundred and thirteen female high school varsity and junior varsity basketball players and 12 coaches participated in an 8-week educational and skills program. Demographic and injury history data were collected. At pre-intervention and at the end of season, knowledge, attitudes, and practices about ACL risk and injury prevention were assessed via questionnaires, and frequency of two-footed landings were videotaped during games. Univariate statistics described the sample. Paired t-tests evaluated the program's impact. Cronbach's alpha, correlations, and kappa statistics assessed the validity and reliability of questionnaires and video analysis. Of the 113 players, 74 completed the study. The players' mean age was 16.25 years (SD=1.07; range=14.2-18.8). Baseline knowledge score was 57.2%, practice 58.4%, and attitude 73.5%. The mean baseline knowledge score of the 12 coaches (mean age=40.8 years; SD=10.3; range=26.9-56.3) was 68.7%. Players' knowledge about ACL injury prevention improved (t=2.57; P<0.01). No changes in attitudes toward injury prevention were found (t(diff)= 1.88; P<0.06). Inter-rater reliability of two-footed landings observed wasacceptable (kappa= 0.72). Videotape analyses revealed a 5.5% increase inlanding performance (t(diff)=9.6; P<0.0001).The program increased knowledge about ACL injury risk and improved player'slanding skills.

Language: en