Training Urged to Reduce Kids’ ACL Injuries
Specific training methods can reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children by up to 72%, a new report says. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published the report. ACL tears are common knee injuries in sports. Rates have been rising among child and teen athletes, especially girls. ACL injury risk increases at age 12 for girls and at age 14 for boys. Female athletes ages 15 to 20 account for the largest numbers of these injuries. Training programs that involve repeated jumps and strengthening exercises for the legs can help prevent ACL tears, the report says. Teaching players how to avoid risky knee positions also helps, the AAP says. The AAP urges coaches to learn about these types of training and use them to protect young athletes. The report also discusses treatment. New techniques have helped make surgery an option for more young athletes.