Mechanical Properties and Performance of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Female Basketball Players Before and After the Season
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 60
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- ACL Shear Modulus
研究概览
简要总结
This prospective cohort study aims to investigate whether the mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) undergo measurable changes throughout a competitive basketball season in female collegiate athletes. Female athletes are at a significantly higher risk for non-contact ACL injuries compared to males. Beyond acute injuries, cumulative stress from high-intensity sports may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's biomechanical properties, potentially increasing injury risk.
Using non-invasive shear wave elastography (SWE) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, the study will monitor 60 elite players before and after the University Basketball League (UBL) season. The findings will help identify potential signs of cumulative loading and contribute to the development of early detection markers for injury risk in female athletes.
详细描述
[Introduction and Rationale] The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical stabilizer of the knee joint, particularly during high-demand athletic activities involving pivoting, rapid deceleration, and landing. Female athletes exhibit a significantly higher incidence (2 to 9 times) of non-contact ACL injuries compared to their male counterparts. While acute trauma is a well-recognized mechanism, emerging evidence suggests that cumulative loading over a competitive season may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's mechanical properties. These changes, such as decreased stiffness, may predispose athletes to injury by compromising joint stability and neuromuscular control. However, objective in vivo data regarding the seasonal adaptation of the ACL in elite athletes remains sparse.
[Study Design and Participants] This prospective cohort study will recruit 60 elite female collegiate basketball players from Division I teams of the University Basketball Association (UBA). The research is designed to track longitudinal changes in ACL integrity and functional performance across a full competitive season.
[Study Procedures]
Participants will undergo standardized assessments at two distinct time points:
Pre-season Assessment (Baseline): Conducted in October, prior to the start of the competitive UBL season.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Observational
- 观察模型
- Cohort
- 时间视角
- Prospective
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 35 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- Female
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Female collegiate basketball players currently active in Division I
- •Aged between 18 and 35 years
- •At least 5 years of formal basketball training experience
- •No prior history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in either knee
- •Ability to participate in both pre-season and post-season testing sessions
排除标准
- •Lower limb injury during the study period resulting in interruption of training for one month or longer
- •Bilateral knee surgery for any reason during the course of the study
结局指标
主要结局
ACL Shear Modulus
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
The shear modulus of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) will be measured using shear wave elastography (SWE). This value serves as a quantitative indicator of ligament tissue stiffness.
ACL Shear Wave Speed
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
The velocity of shear waves propagating through the ACL tissue, measured via SWE. This value is used to evaluate the structural integrity and density of the ligament tissue.
Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
Calculated as the ratio of jump height to ground contact time (RSI = jump height / ground contact time) during a countermovement jump (CMJ). This index evaluates the explosive power and neuromuscular control of the lower limbs.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height
时间窗: Baseline and at the end of the competitive season (approximately 6 months)
The maximum vertical displacement of the center of mass during a countermovement jump, measured using KFORCE force plates.
次要结局
未报告次要终点