A new study from the UNC School of Medicine shows that the rate of ACL tears is rising among teenage athletes, specifically among females.
According to the study, the sharpest increase in ACL tears has been seen in females aged 13-17, who have experienced a 59% increase in the number of required reconstruction procedures.
Lead researcher on the study and Sports Epidemiologist Mackenzie Herzog believes that increased participation in sports could be a major factor for the increase in ACL tears.
“What we do know is that there’s increased participation in youth sports, and while that has many health benefits, it’s also important to understand that there’s inherent risk for injury and to do what we can to try and prevent those injuries,” said Herzog.
Herzog claims that although injury risks are inevitable while playing sports, coaches can help combat ACL tears and other injuries with basic prevention programs.
“[Coaches] can be trained to provide exercises that involve balance, plyometrics, strength and stretching,” said Herzog, “and ideally these can be implemented by a coach two to three times a week.”
The long-term effects of an ACL tear for a youth could include risk of re-injury and Osteoarthritis, according to Herzog.
Herzog states that the goal of this research is to provide a safer sports environment for youth athletes while still advocating for an active lifestyle.
While injury prevention programs are in place, the school is still working to fine-tune these programs.
“We’re further investigating these injury prevention programs,” said Herzog. “We know that they’re effective and they can reduce injury but there are always improvements that can be made.”
The full study can be found here.
