Why are girls more prone to knee injuries?
Researchers are continuing to investigate the reasons for this gender disparity in ACL injury rates. To date, the most convincing evidence points to neuromuscular differences between girls and boys. Several studies have shown that girls tend to have less neuromuscular control of knee motion than boys while performing certain athletic tasks, such as landing from a jump or changing direction suddenly. During these athletic tasks, girls tend to demonstrate less use of the hamstring muscles, less knee and hip flexion, and greater inward collapse of the knees than boys. These neuromuscular patterns have been associated with a greater risk for ACL injury.
