Analysis of "Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance Program" effect on female footballers

Abstract

Objective: To implement the Prevent Injuries and Enhance Performance Program (PEP Program) on a female soccer team, and to evaluate the evolution dynamic stability and knee flexion angle when landing like risk factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament rupture by indirect mechanism. Method: 19 players participated in the study (19.82 ± 3.54 years), divided into control group (n= 9) which performed regular training; and intervention group (n=10) which also carried out the prevention program. In order to assess improvements, two tests were carried out: Y Balance Test and Landing Error Scoring System, before and after intervention. Results: After implementation, both groups obtained improvements on both tests, being greater and more significant on intervention group compared to the control, presumably due to the increased neuromuscular control and dynamic balance produced by the program. Conclusions: There are emerging evidences that use of this protocol for the prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament rupture in female football is useful improving landing control patterns, affecting more than one risk factor to suffer this injury.