|
ACL Injury Prevention (Doug interviews Brian Schiff)This is an interview I conducted with ACL injury prevention specialist, Brian Schiff. ------------------ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries of the knee have unfortunately become one of the most common and devastating knee injuries over the last decade. Friends of mine had bright athletic futures ruined due to the injury.As awareness of the injury arose, specialists emerged that focused on both the prevention and the rehabilitation of the injury. My friend and colleague, Brian Schiff, is one of those specialists. Brian has a great combination of credentials. Here are just a few: A licensed physical therapist, certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), strength coach of the Columbus Crew professional soccer team, and owner of the upscale Fitness Edge personal training facility in Dublin, Ohio. Brian recently published Protecting the Athlete's Knee: A Complete Guide to ACL Injury Prevention and Athletic Excellence. Since I have several personal training clients who are athletes that could benefit from this information, I ordered the book from him. I was impressed with its content and decided to conduct this interview for the newsletter. (By the way, you can order your own copy of the manual at www.aclinjuryprevention.com" -------------------------------------------- Doug: First, we know that ACL injuries have been increasing drastically in the last few years. Is there any way to help prevent them before they happen? How much does special conditioning really help prevent the injury? Brian: Currently, we are seeing epidemic numbers of athletes, especially females injure themselves. There are several theories as to why, but studies have demonstrated that females often land poorly (stiff with knees caving inward) and they also run more upright than their male counterparts. In addition, they often cut in a more upright position. The majority of non-contact ACL injuries occur when an athlete plants and cuts, typically with the knee near extension (bent 20-30 degrees). With specific training, we can teach athletes to land properly, run more efficiently and cut with bent knees to lower injury risk. Proper training also helps to correct muscle strength imbalances and enhance proprioception (one’s ability to control their body in space). Doug: What should be the major components of an ACL injury-prevention program? Brian: First, I always recommend a comprehensive evaluation prior to beginning in order to assess injury risk, flexibility, balance, strength and past medical history. It is important to look at the athlete’s biomechanical makeup and assess jump landing form as well. As far as components of the training program, I recommend all of the following: Functional warm-up Periodized strength training (cyclical pattern to allow peak performance at specific points in the season) Balance training Plyometric (jump) drills Speed, agility and quickness activities. Flexibility. Doug: How do the exercises in your manual help prevent ACL injuries? Brian: The exercises in Protecting The Athlete’s Knee are designed to prevent injury through their comprehensive approach as mentioned in the previous question. Specifically, they address deficiencies often encountered with regard to weak hamstrings, poor jump landing form and poor cutting maneuvers/technique. They are also prepared with the proper intensity, volume and progression for all athletes regardless of their experience or skill level. Doug: Can the exercises that you recommend for preventing ACL injuries be utilized if an ACL injury has already occurred? Brian: Yes. These exercises are excellent for rehabilitation as well as transitioning an athlete back to play following an ACL injury. They can also be used for many seasons afterward to aid in preventing re-injury or injury to the other knee. Research has shown athletes who suffer an ACL injury, are more likely to injure the other leg before they re-injure the surgically repaired knee. Doug: Can the exercises you recommend help prevent other common lower-body injuries? If so, which? Brian: Absolutely. All of the exercises in the manual will help prevent the following common sports related injuries: Quadricep/hamstring/groin/calf muscle strains, shin splints, other knee ligament sprains (MCL, LCL or PCL), meniscus injuries, tendonitis (patellar, achilles, posterior tibialis), ankle sprains. Doug: Who would benefit most from your ACL injury-prevention manual? Brian: Ideally, it is geared for athletes who participate in cutting sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, basketball, rugby, etc. Females who play basketball and soccer are statistically at the highest risk for injury. With that said, our target audience also includes parents and coaches in search of an easy to implement pre-season injury prevention and performance enhancement training program that requires very little equipment. The program addresses all of the facets necessary for complete athletic development. It is by no means the most skilled or complex program available, but it provides a great blueprint for those in search of fewer injuries and more playing time. --------------------------------------------I hope you found the information in the article beneficial. Again, if you'd like to own Brian's manual, you can order online at www.aclinjuryprevention.com Get Our Industry-Leading Fitness Empowerment Newsletter(Plus three more gifts valued at $77) Now!Gift #1: Our success-oriented "10 Strategies to having Your Best Year Ever" mini-course. We respect your privacy! Your email address will never be sold or rented |