Plyometric Training Combined with or without Hamstring Strengthening in the Prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Amateur Athletes: Plyometric Training for ACL Injuries in Female Amateur Athletes

Fareeha Raja; Farrukh Murtaza; Rizwan Yousaf; Minahil Tanveer

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v9i2.1322

Authors

Fareeha Raja University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Farrukh Murtaza University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Rizwan Yousaf University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Minahil Tanveer University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v9i2.1322

Keywords:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention, Plyometric Training, Hamstring Strengthening, Female Athletes, Functional Mobility, Dynamic Balance

Abstract

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common among female athletes, especially in sports involving jumping and pivoting. Objectives: To study the plyometric training along with hamstring training on the prevention of ACL injuries among female amateur sportsmen. Methods: A total of 60 female amateur athletes aged 18 to 30 were selected as participants of this randomized controlled trial and randomly stratified into two groups (Group A: plyometric strengthening + hamstring strengthening; Group B: plyometric strengthening). The intervention took six weeks, and it was trained twice a week. At baseline, Week 3, and Week 6, the outcome measures were knee strength (flexion and extension), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Test), and functional mobility (KOOS). The data were analyzed in SPSS version 24.0, repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-tests were used (p<0.05). Results: Time-related within-group improvements were significant in both groups of all outcome measures (p<0.001). Group A became stronger (flexion: 24.06-29.89 kg; extension: 30.33-36.60 kg), more stable (SET: 15.59-19.59 cm), and KOOS (56.32-72.11). The same gains were observed with Group B (flexion: 24.39-30.91 kg; extension: 30.24-36.04 kg; SET: 14.12-21.37 cm; KOOS: 58.99-1.83). No statistically significant differences in any of the post-intervention points (p>0.05). Conclusions: Plyometric training is an effective intervention in enhancing lower limb strength, balance, and functional mobility of female amateur athletes. The inclusion of hamstring strengthening did not result in any extra benefits over 6 weeks and may indicate that plyometric-only programs can be useful and time-efficient in the context of ACL injury prevention in the chosen population.

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