Differential influence of quadriceps rate of torque development on single- and double-leg landing mechanics in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed and control females.

Purpose: The capacity to explosively contract quadriceps within the critical timeframe associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, quantified by the rate of torque development, is potentially essential for safe landing mechanics. This study aimed to investigate the influence of explosive quadriceps strength on ACL-related sagittal-plane landing mechanics in females with and without ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods: Quadriceps explosive strength and landing mechanics were assessed in 19 ACLR and 19 control females during isometric contractions and double- and single-leg jump landings.

Deceleration Profiles Between the Penultimate and Final Steps of Planned and Reactive Side-Step Cutting.

Context: Noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury often occurs during rapid deceleration and change-of-direction maneuvers. These activities require an athlete to generate braking forces to slow down the center of mass and change direction in a dynamic environment. During preplanned cutting, athletes can use the penultimate step for braking before changing direction, resulting in less braking demand during the final step.

Explosive Quadriceps Strength Symmetry and Landing Mechanics Limb Symmetry After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Females.

Context: Emerging evidence suggests that a lower quadriceps rate of torque development (RTD) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) may be associated with altered landing mechanics. However, the influence of quadriceps RTD magnitude and limb symmetry on landing mechanics limb symmetry remains unknown.

Objective: To assess the influence of quadriceps RTD magnitude and limb symmetry on limb symmetry in sagittal-plane landing mechanics during functional landing tasks in females with or without ACLR.

Athletic Training and Public Health Summit.

Objective: To introduce athletic trainers to the benefits of using a population-based approach to injury and illness prevention and to explore opportunities for partnering with public health professionals on these initiatives.

Background: Athletic trainers play leading roles in individual injury and illness prevention but are less familiar with policy development, evaluation, and implementation from a population-level standpoint. The Athletic Training and Public Health Summit was convened to understand, explore, and develop the intersection of athletic training and public health.

Effects of decision making on landing mechanics as a function of task and sex.

Background: Factors that contribute to sex-differences in the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries among athletes are not well understood. Of interest is whether decision making during landing influences biomechanical factors associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury. This study examined the effects of decision making on the mechanics of two-footed landing tasks in women and men.