Can Unilateral Strength Training Optimize Change of Direction Mechanics and Mitigate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players? A Preliminary Pre–Post Intervention Study
Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a major concern in female soccer players, with change of direction (COD) movements being a key contributor to non-contact injuries. Traditional injury prevention programs have shown limited effectiveness in addressing individual biomechanical...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Sports |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/5/135 |
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| author | Alice Rogalski Ayrton Moiroux-Sahraoui Maria Stergiou Maxence Pieulhet Maurice Douryang Florian Forelli |
| author_facet | Alice Rogalski Ayrton Moiroux-Sahraoui Maria Stergiou Maxence Pieulhet Maurice Douryang Florian Forelli |
| author_sort | Alice Rogalski |
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| description | Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a major concern in female soccer players, with change of direction (COD) movements being a key contributor to non-contact injuries. Traditional injury prevention programs have shown limited effectiveness in addressing individual biomechanical deficits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week unilateral strength training program on COD mechanics and ACL injury risk factors. Methods: Eleven female soccer players participated in a pre–post intervention study. Movement mechanics was assessed using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) at 45°, 75°, and 90° angles. The training program included unilateral lower limb strengthening exercises designed to enhance neuromuscular control and reduce biomechanical risk factors. Risk profiles were analyzed before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and effect size calculations. Results: Significant improvements in CMAS scores were observed at all COD angles (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with the largest effect at 90° (Cohen’s d = 2.1). The percentage of high-risk players decreased from 82% to 0%, while the proportion of low-risk players increased from 36% to 73%. Improved knee alignment, foot placement, and trunk stability were key contributors to the observed movement enhancements. Conclusions: Unilateral strength training may effectively improve COD mechanics and reduces biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injuries in female soccer players. Our findings suggest that individualized training interventions can influence current injury prevention strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7d219cc3f80d4e309df7ce24aee23f8a |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2075-4663 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Sports |
| spelling | doaj-art-7d219cc3f80d4e309df7ce24aee23f8a2025-08-20T01:56:38ZengMDPI AGSports2075-46632025-04-0113513510.3390/sports13050135Can Unilateral Strength Training Optimize Change of Direction Mechanics and Mitigate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players? A Preliminary Pre–Post Intervention StudyAlice Rogalski0Ayrton Moiroux-Sahraoui1Maria Stergiou2Maxence Pieulhet3Maurice Douryang4Florian Forelli5Racing Club de Lens, CTS La Gaillette, 62065 Avion, FranceOrthosport Rehab Center, 95330 Domont, FranceDepartment of Sports Medicine, Universidad Europa de Madrid-Real Madrid, 28005 Madrid, SpainOlympique Lyonnais Academy, 69282 Meyzieu, FranceDepartment of Physiotherapy and Physical Medicine, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 96, CameroonOrthopaedic Surgery Department, Clinic of Domont, Ramsay Healthcare, @OrthoLab, 95330 Domont, FranceBackground: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a major concern in female soccer players, with change of direction (COD) movements being a key contributor to non-contact injuries. Traditional injury prevention programs have shown limited effectiveness in addressing individual biomechanical deficits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week unilateral strength training program on COD mechanics and ACL injury risk factors. Methods: Eleven female soccer players participated in a pre–post intervention study. Movement mechanics was assessed using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) at 45°, 75°, and 90° angles. The training program included unilateral lower limb strengthening exercises designed to enhance neuromuscular control and reduce biomechanical risk factors. Risk profiles were analyzed before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and effect size calculations. Results: Significant improvements in CMAS scores were observed at all COD angles (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with the largest effect at 90° (Cohen’s d = 2.1). The percentage of high-risk players decreased from 82% to 0%, while the proportion of low-risk players increased from 36% to 73%. Improved knee alignment, foot placement, and trunk stability were key contributors to the observed movement enhancements. Conclusions: Unilateral strength training may effectively improve COD mechanics and reduces biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injuries in female soccer players. Our findings suggest that individualized training interventions can influence current injury prevention strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/5/135anterior cruciate ligament injury preventionneuromuscular adaptationunilateral loadingchange of directionbiomechanics |
| spellingShingle | Alice Rogalski Ayrton Moiroux-Sahraoui Maria Stergiou Maxence Pieulhet Maurice Douryang Florian Forelli Can Unilateral Strength Training Optimize Change of Direction Mechanics and Mitigate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players? A Preliminary Pre–Post Intervention Study Sports anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention neuromuscular adaptation unilateral loading change of direction biomechanics |
| title | Can Unilateral Strength Training Optimize Change of Direction Mechanics and Mitigate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players? A Preliminary Pre–Post Intervention Study |
| title_full | Can Unilateral Strength Training Optimize Change of Direction Mechanics and Mitigate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players? A Preliminary Pre–Post Intervention Study |
| title_fullStr | Can Unilateral Strength Training Optimize Change of Direction Mechanics and Mitigate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players? A Preliminary Pre–Post Intervention Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Can Unilateral Strength Training Optimize Change of Direction Mechanics and Mitigate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players? A Preliminary Pre–Post Intervention Study |
| title_short | Can Unilateral Strength Training Optimize Change of Direction Mechanics and Mitigate Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players? A Preliminary Pre–Post Intervention Study |
| title_sort | can unilateral strength training optimize change of direction mechanics and mitigate anterior cruciate ligament injury risk in female soccer players a preliminary pre post intervention study |
| topic | anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention neuromuscular adaptation unilateral loading change of direction biomechanics |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/5/135 |
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