ACL INJURY PREVENTION Training effect of the FourcePoint hinge
Improved lower leg biomechanics are retained for 4 weeks, suggesting a positive transfer in protective movement patterns
The evidence: Controlled laboratory study on 24 athletes 26
No Brace
With Brace
Group A
Wk 1
Wk 2
Wk 3
Wk 4
Wk 5
Wk 6
Wk 7
Wk 8
Pre-training test without wearing brace
Post-training test 1 without wearing brace
Post-training test 2 without wearing brace
Randomisation
Wk 1
Wk 2
Wk 3
Wk 4
Wk 5
Wk 6
Wk 7
Wk 8
Group B
With Brace
No Brace
Fig. 1 : Study design. Group A trained without brace from week 1 to week 4, and with brace from week 5 to week 8. Group B trained with brace from week 1 to week 4, and without brace from week 5 to week 8. Braces were worn for a minimum of two hours per week on both legs. Tests were performed without braces.
• Training with a FourcePoint brace significantly improves motion patterns during ACL challenging tasks. Figure 2 shows increased knee flexion angles during landing after 4 weeks of training with a FourcePoint brace. • About 50% of the training effects were retained 4 weeks after the end of the training using the brace (figure 2, group B), suggesting a positive transfer in the skill learning related to increased knee flexion. • The authors suggest 4-week FourcePoint brace training should reduce the risk for noncontact ACL injuries at least during the 4 weeks immediately after the training.
50°
50°
Group A
Group B
*
*
40°
40°
*
*
†
30°
30°
†
20°
20°
10°
10°
0°
0°
Stop Jump
Side Cutting
Stop Jump
Side Cutting
Fig. 2: Knee flexion angles at peak posterior ground reaction force during stop-jump and side-cutting tasks, measured pre-training (baseline), after 4 weeks of training (post-training test 1) and after 8 weeks of training (post-training test 2). † About 50% of the training effect is retained
Baseline Post Wk 4 Post Wk 8
* Significant: p = 0.001
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