Can we predict whether an athlete will sustain an ACL tear?

Methods

Summary

Using a prospective cohort design, information will be gathered about the profile of the ACL-injured athlete. 200 female soccer players will be recruited from the greater San Francisco, California area and the greater Honolulu, Hawaii area. Researchers will obtain detailed information on past medical history (history of injury, concussion, familial tendency for ligamentous tears) as well as athletic history (sport participation, position of play). Anthropometrics and biomarkers for stress (IL-6, mTOR, salivary cortisol, IGF-1), and vitamins and minerals (25-OHD, Iron) will be collected. Biomechanical data will be collected through the use of a visual assessment (Landing Error Scoring System) to assess the association between lower extremity movement patterns and musculoskeletal injury. Updates to lifestyle factors (perceived stress levels, hours of activity, average sleep) will be collected via monthly questionnaires. One subsequent interview and data collection will be conducted at the conclusion of the athletic season.

Pre Analysis Plan

Multiple regression analyses will be used to assess the relationship between each risk factor and risk for Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. A t-test will be used to determine the predictive ability of the LESS test in the study population.