Falling Techniques Training for ACL Injury

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byBoyi Dai, Ph.D.

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Wyoming

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The overall purpose of this study is to quantify the effect and retention of one-week training of falling techniques on landing biomechanics associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading compared to soft-landing techniques in young recreational athletes. The secondary purpose is to assess the safety of the training program. Aim 1: To quantify the effect of one-week training of falling techniques on landing biomechanics during forward, lateral, vertical, and diagonal landings compared to soft-landing techniques. We hypothesize that falling techniques will result in increased knee flexion angles and decreased landing forces, knee abduction and internal rotation angles, and knee moments for all landing directions compared to soft-landing techniques immediately after the training. Aim 2: To assess the retention effects of the falling techniques on landing biomechanics compared to soft landings. We hypothesize that the effects of falling techniques on ACL loading variables will be more highly retained compared to soft-landing techniques two weeks after the training. Aim 3: To identify the safety of the training program. We hypothesize that participants can complete the training without suffering minor, moderate, or major injuries, while occasional minor bruises might be observed.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young recreational athletes aged 14-30 who play sports involving jump-landing activities at least once a week and exercise twice a week. It's not for those with allergies to adhesives, pregnant individuals, people with conditions limiting full sporting effort, or those with recent major injuries/surgeries.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 14 and 30 years old.

You regularly participate in sports that require jumping and landing, or have played sports at a competitive level in the past.

You need to be physically active by playing sports or exercising for at least 2 hours per week.

Exclusion Criteria

You have received training on how to prevent ACL injuries by learning techniques to avoid falling.

You have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to participate in sports at your maximum effort.

I was unable to be physically active for over two weeks due to an injury in the last six months.

+3 more

Participant Groups

The study tests how one-week training in falling techniques affects landing mechanics related to ACL injury risk compared to soft-landing methods. It looks at immediate effects and retention after two weeks, aiming for safer landings without significant injuries.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: One-week training of falling techniques on landing biomechanics associated with ACL loadingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will perform one-week training of single-leg falling techniques, a post-training assessment, a two-week break, and a retention assessment.