Neuromuscular Training in ACL Injury Prevention: A Narrative Review

• Published in: Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine Vol. 12; no. 10_suppl3
• Main Authors: Pangestuputra, Agil Wahyu, Changestu, Daniel Alexander
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 30.10.2024; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Injury prevention; Joint and ligament injuries; Rehabilitation; Sports injuries; Biomechanics; ACL injury prevention; Athletic performance; Sports rehabilitation; Neuromuscular training
• ISSN: 2325-9671; 2325-9671
• DOI: 10.1177/2325967124S00394

Introduction and objective: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries remain a significant concern in sports, demanding effective prevention strategies. Neuromuscular training offers promise by enhancing neuromuscular control and biomechanics, potentially reducing ACL injury risks. This narrative review systematically assesses the current literature regarding the effectiveness of neuromuscular training in ACL injury prevention. Encompassing diverse exercises—balance, strength, plyometrics, agility, core stability—and biomechanical analyses, the review highlights multifaceted benefits. Improvements in muscular strength, joint stability, movement mechanics, and neuromuscular coordination are prominent. Moreover, the review emphasizes tailored and progressive protocols, while also addressing potential implementation challenges. Through this synthesis, the narrative review helps us comprehend the crucial part that neuromuscular training plays in preventing ACL injuries, which calls for more research and its incorporation into athletic and rehabilitation programs. The goal is to advance knowledge of the function of neuromuscular training in preventing ACL injuries, in post-ACL Reconstruction therapy, and to offer insightful information to both researchers and practitioners in the field. Methods: This narrative review utilized PubMed to search for studies using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Neuromuscular Training, Motor Learning, Biomechanics Exercise therapy/methods, Knee Injuries/prevention & control, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Searches were confined to titles and abstracts of English-language studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on football athletes (excluding para athletes), across genders, featuring NMT, and targeting primary or secondary injury prevention, including post-ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation. Result: From an initial pool of 556 studies, 15 were selected for full-text review after title and abstract screening. Following rigorous comparison against eligibility criteria, 6 studies were included in this narrative assessment. Conclusion: This narrative review offers insights from recent research endeavors aimed at optimizing ACL injury prevention and refining post-ACLR rehabilitation strategies. Key findings emphasize the integration of motor learning concepts, utilization of external focus cues within neuromuscular training, and tailored programs designed for specific sports. Studies consistently highlight the potential for improved motor skill acquisition, reduced injury susceptibility, and enhanced biomechanical attributes. Cumulatively, these insights offer valuable guidance for the fine-tuning of ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols.