Skip to main content

Simple warmup exercises might be enough to prevent one of the most common serious knee injuries suffered by youth athletes, especially females.

A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that neuromuscular control exercise programs appear to reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female college soccer players.

More than 1,400 athletes from 61 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women’s soccer teams participated in the study, and were divided into 2 groups. The overall ACL injury rate was 1.7 times less, and the noncontact ACL injury rate was 3.3 times less, in the athletes who performed specific intervention exercises 3 times a week during their fall season than in their peers who did not. 

The beneficial neuromuscular warmup exercise programs included stretching, strengthening, plyometrics, and agilities to address potential deficits in the strength and coordination of the stabilizing muscles around the knee joint.

In a May 22, 2014, episode of Move Forward Radio, a physical therapist discussed specific exercise programs to reduce the risk of ACL injuries.

Learn more about physical therapist treatment of ACL injuries

Related Resources

Additional Information

Other Did You Know? pages.

Is this content helpful?

Thanks for the feedback!

Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.


You Might Also Like...

Article

Why Physical Therapy Matters for Children and Adolescents

Sep 24, 2025

Physical therapy supports children at every stage of growth, helping them build strength, confidence, and healthy habits that last a lifetime, no matter

Article

Why Physical Therapy Matters in Early Adulthood

Sep 24, 2025

Physical therapy empowers young adults to stay ahead of potential issues before they interfere with daily life and provides personalized strategies to

Health Tips

What Is Little League Elbow?

Oct 7, 2024

Little league or pitcher's elbow, also known as medial epicondyle apophysitis, is a common injury among young baseball players. Learn the causes, how to