Anterior cruciate ligament structure and function. Injuries and prevention plan

Abstract

The main goal of this revision is to make a proposal of a prevention plan for non-contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries in soccer players. In order to achieve this, the first thing to do is to analyse the current evidence around the ACL from its anatomy and structure to its injuries, deepening in the injury mechanisms and risk factors. Additionally, a revision of the current knowledge about prevention protocols and exercises should be also done. After having reviewed the most important evidence and bearing in mind the factors that might affect the schedule of the programme, the proposed intervention plan may be useful to soccer players to reduce the risk of sustaining a non-contact ACL injury during both practice and competition. With the aim of developing an evidence-based protocol, the training components and the specific exercises are supported on the analysed studies as well.