Reducing anterior cruciate ligament injury risk factors by training perception: How vital is maintaining the perception-action coupling?

Stephen Tidman, Brendan Lay, Sean Byrne, Paul Bourke, Jacqueline Alderson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of maintaining perception-action coupling during a 4-week perceptual training program aiming to reduce biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injury. Kinetic (valgus and internal rotation knee moments) and neuromuscular (total knee muscle activation and directed co-contraction ratios) variables were calculated during evasive sidestepping of 3D-projected opponents in 1-on-1, 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 game-based situations pre and post-intervention training. An additional transfer scenario was assessed post-intervention. Twenty-six amateur Australian Rules footballers were allocated to control (C), uncoupled (U) or coupled (PA) groups. Participants completed biweekly perceptual training containing 48 trials requiring a verbal (uncoupled) or running sidestep (coupled) response while counting the number of attentional cues displayed. Training groups showed no reductions in peak valgus and internal rotation moments, however, a small decrease in peak valgus moments was observed in the transfer condition. Coupled training displayed significant group differences in medial-lateral co-contraction ratios from controls. No changes in muscle activation patterns pre-post ARF were observed, however C and UC groups redirected co-contraction ratios laterally in the transfer condition. Results suggest that attentional cueing perceptual training with a coupled response may have a beneficial impact on kinetic ACL injury risk factors and maintain muscle activation levels associated with decreased ACL injury risk.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 38th International Society of Biomechanics in Sport
PublisherThe ISBS Proceedings Archive
Pages440-443
Volume38
Edition1
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jul 2020
Event38th Conference of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports - , Virtual
Duration: 15 Jul 202019 Jul 2020

Publication series

NameISBS Proceedings Archive

Conference

Conference38th Conference of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports
Abbreviated titleISBS Conference
Country/TerritoryVirtual
Period15/07/2019/07/20

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