An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is a common injury in many sports including netball, rugby league, soccer and basketball. In the last 15 years, the rate of ACL knee injuries among Australians 25 years and younger has risen by 70%, with calls for a greater focus on agility training to prevent such an alarming rise of this injury in young adults.
Research reveals that Australia has the highest reported rates of ACL injuries in the world. The concerning rise in this serious knee injury is as a result of longer sporting seasons, higher intense training, stronger levels of competition and a lack of free play.
A study by researchers at Griffith University, the University of Sydney and Knee Research Australia found that among Australians younger than 25, almost 200,000 primary ACL reconstructions performed between 2000-2015 in Australia cost approximately $142 million a year.
Associate Professor Christopher Vertullo, Director of Knee Research Australia says that more than half of ACL ruptures could be prevented by simply including at least 20-30 minutes of agility training three times a week. This allows the body’s position to change efficiently.
The consequences of an ACL knee injury in the short term include time out from sport, reconstructive surgery and an extended rehabilitation time. However in the long term, there is an increased risk of osteoarthritis and disability, with the risk increasing by concurrent meniscal injury.
If you are experiencing any pain, call Bankstown Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre at 9793 3119 to book a physiotherapy appointment today!
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