Effect of plyometric training on knee kinematic variables of healthy women

• Grant number: 10/07758-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2010
• End date: June 30, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Fábio Viadanna Serrão
• Grantee: Andréa Luiz Francisco
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The increased dynamic knee valgus during functional activities is one of the biomechanical changes that explain the greater female susceptibility to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury when compared to men. In this context, the plyometric training, considered as an important tool for strengthening muscles and to improve functional performance, has also been indicated as an alternative therapy to control this excessive movement. However, there are few reports about its real effect on hip and pelvis muscle function, which are determinants of dynamic knee valgus, and consequently a major risk factor for ACL injuries. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the effect of plyometric training on measures of dynamic knee valgus in healthy women, during the single leg squat. Participate in this study 14 volunteers, aged between 18 and 30 years, which will be randomly assigned (by lottery) into two groups: 1 - submitted to the plyometric training group (PG, n=07) and 2 - not subjected to this intervention - control group (CG, n=07). The maximum amplitude and maximum excursion in knee valgus kinematic evaluation will be checked during the execution of the squat on the dominant leg before and after a 08 weeks period, corresponding to the intervention period (PG). The plyometric training will be divided into three stages of progressive difficulty, according to descriptions found in literature. The training sessions will be done three times a week, with an average duration of 60 minutes per session. Appropriate statistical test will be used to compare the variables analyzed, considering a 5% significance level.