The Effect Of Preventative Drills On Stability Of The Knee In Female Basketball Players

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effect of incorporating three preventative mechanical principles into the practice sessions of an eighth grade girls' basketball team over the duration of one season on the players' knee stability. Three mechanical principles were utilized by 17 females (age=13.7 yrs, mass=52.2 kg, ht=166.8 cm) during each practice: (a) bent knee landings, (b) accelerated rounded turns, and (c) two-three step stops. Knee stability was assessed prior to and at the conclusion of the season by measuring three variables: (a) knee range of motion in extension and flexion tested by a goniometer, (b) comparative strength of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles tested by an Orthotron at 60 and 180 deg/s, and (c) end of the season joint laxity as an indicator of anterior cruciate ligament displacement tested by a KT-2000 at 28 deg of flexion. A control group of 9 female basketball players (age=12.8 yrs, mass=52.8 kg, ht=160.7 cm) were used for comparison. No significant differences were revealed between groups for knee ROM or joint laxity (L ROM = 145 deg, R ROM = 144 deg; L ACL d = 5.7 mm, R ACL d = 6.5 mm). Significant increases were revealed between pre- and post-season testing for flexion/ extension ratios in both legs at both speeds for experimental subjects (L 60 deg/s = 14%, L 180 deg/s = 15%, R 60 deg/s = 13%, and R 180 deg/s = 8%). A significant decrease was revealed between preand post-season testing for flexion/ extension ratios in the right leg at 180 deg/s for control subjects (7%). Significant increases were revealed between preand post-season testing for p~ak torque of L flexion (6%) at 60 deg/s, L flexion (7%) and extension (13%) at 180 .deg/s, and R flexion (6%) and extension (6%) at 180 deg/s for experimental subjects. A significant increase (