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ACL Injuries in the Female Athlete pp 185–201Cite as

Proximal Risk Factors for ACL Injury: Role of the Hip

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Abstract

This chapter reviews the role of hip function in ACL injuries, as well as gender differences in biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors specifically related to hip mechanics and strength. Evidence supports strong consideration of the influence of proximal factors on injurious knee loading. Women have decreased hip abductor, external rotator, and extensor strength compared to men. Hip muscle function has been related to femur adduction and internal rotation, placing the ACL at risk for injury. Strategies that encourage sagittal plane motion and avoid excessive motion in the transverse and frontal planes at the hip decrease loading at the knee. ACL injury prevention training should emphasize engaging the larger hip extensor muscles for power generation and using hip abductors and external rotators to stabilize frontal and transverse plane motion.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 E. Alcazar Street, CHP-155, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA

    Susan M. Sigward Ph.D., P.T., A.T.C.

  2. Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science, Oregon State University-Cascades, 2600 NW College Way, Cascades Hall, Bend, OR, 97701, USA

    Christine D. Pollard Ph.D., P.T.

Authors
  1. Susan M. Sigward Ph.D., P.T., A.T.C.
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  2. Christine D. Pollard Ph.D., P.T.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Susan M. Sigward Ph.D., P.T., A.T.C. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Cincinnati Sportsmedicine Research and E, Montgomery Road 10663, Cincinnati, 45242, Ohio, USA

    Frank R. Noyes

  2. Cincinnati Sportsmedicine Research and E, Montgomery Road 10663, Cincinnati, 45242, Ohio, USA

    Sue Barber-Westin

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Sigward, S.M., Pollard, C.D. (2012). Proximal Risk Factors for ACL Injury: Role of the Hip. In: Noyes, F., Barber-Westin, S. (eds) ACL Injuries in the Female Athlete. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32592-2_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32592-2_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-32591-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-32592-2

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