The Effect of the Co-activation of the Hamstrings and Quadriceps on the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common serious injuries to the knee. Mechanisms of ACL noncontact tears are still inconclusive from an epidemiological standpoint but have been associated with noncontact rotatory forces associated with planting, cutting, and landing in a valgus position, with a hyperextension mechanism, and finally by a violent contraction of the quadriceps, which pulls the tibia forward and tears the ACL. The purpose of this presentation is to investigate the effect of the co-activation of the hamstrings and quadriceps on vulnerability of the ACL. Both of these muscle groups contribute significantly to the integrity of the ACL. This work was done as part of a literature review; research clearly indicates that co-contraction of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles will significantly decrease the in-situ forces and strain rates induced on the ACL. If the co-activation of these two muscle groups do indeed decrease the strain experienced in the ACL, preventative as well as rehabilitative programs for the ACL should at the very least include hamstring strength exercises.
EXSC 425, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury
Heike McNeil
P103
2:30 – 3 PM
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