High Body Mass Index and Hip Abductor Muscle Strength were Risk Factors for Non-contact ACL Injury in Female High School Basketball Players: A Prospective Three-year Cohort Study

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate risk factors for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in female high school basketball players. We hypothesized that female high-school basketball players suffering non-contact ACL injuries would demonstrate weaker hip abductor and knee flexor muscle strength and poor static balance, when compared to those without ACL injury. Methods: Study Design: Prospective cohort study.195 new female high school basketball players underwent detailed examinations for various parameters that were documented at their first-year of high school. The parameters assessed were height (cm), body weight (kg), body mass index (kg/m2), anterior knee laxity (mm), general joint laxity (point), femoral anteversion (degree), navicular drop (mm), muscle strength of knee flexion (Nm/kg), extension (Nm/kg), and hip abduction (Nm/kg) and static balance. All ACL injuries that occurred during these 3 years were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows 23.0. The parameters were compared using the Student t-test. Parameters with P values