The High Point University women's soccer team has partnered with researchers in the HPU Human Biomechanics and Physiology Laboratory to examine the factors that contribute to the risk of ACL injuries and steps that can be taken to avoid them.

"We are very fortunate to be working with the outstanding researchers at the HPU Biomechanics and Physiology Lab in an effort to improve injury prevention," head coach Marty Beall said. "ACL injuries are very common in women's soccer and it is an area we have worked to address since coming to HPU five years ago. While we have had some success, this study provides us with the most state of the art technology to help guide us through the next stage."

The study is being conducted by student researchers under the mentorship of Dr. Yum Nguyen from the Department of Athletic Training and Dr. Kevin Ford from the Department of Physical Therapy. The aim of the study is to better understand the anatomical and biomechanical factors that may contribute to increased risk of lower body injuries in female soccer players.

"What we want to do here is figure out the best ways to prevent lower body injuries, specifically knee injuries, in women's soccer players," Dr. Nguyen said. "There are a lot of prevention methods out there but they are not all the same so we want to try and tailor a program specific to the women's soccer team here."

Members of the HPU women's soccer team were put through a biomechanical analysis in the spring at the HPU Biomechanics and Physiology Laboratory. The tests were designed to collect data on multiple variables including strength, flexibility, agility, anatomical alignment, core endurance, range of motion and static alignment.

Based on the data collected a dynamic warm-up was created specifically for the women's soccer team to go through before training which is intended to help decrease the risk of ACL injuries. The warm-up includes a great deal of core and strength training as well as various jumping and landing techniques.

Following the season, the players will go through the same biomechanical analysis that they went through last spring to measure any changes that might have occurred after going through the program.

This research project will continue over future years with the overall goals of identifying those athletes who are at increased risk for injury and developing effective intervention strategies to reduce the risk of injury.