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ACL Injuries in the Female Athlete pp 125–136Cite as

Gender Differences in Muscular Protection of the Knee

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Abstract

This chapter summarizes the differences between male and female athletes in the knee’s anatomical structure and neuromuscular system. There are multiple protective systems for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during physical activity, including the knee’s anatomical structure and neuromuscular system. This system generates and limits the inherent qualities of the knee including laxity, stiffness, and strength. Parameters of this system that may be tested include proprioception, muscle reaction time, and muscle time to peak torque. Gender differences exist in neuromuscular indices, as well as in balance and hamstring-quadriceps recruitment patterns. However, the influence of these differences on ACL injury susceptibility remains uncertain. This is due to a lack of a clear understanding of the multifactorial mechanism of ACL injuries, especially in the female population, with newer evidence pointing toward structural, mechanical, and neuromuscular factors. Continued research in neuromuscular control is justified because unlike many anatomical and physiological factors, it is modifiable.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. MedSport Orthopaedics, University of Michigan, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106-0391, USA

    Benjamin Noonan M.D. & Edward M. Wojtys M.D.

  2. Department of Orthoapedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Edward M. Wojtys M.D.

  3. Sports Medicine Service, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Edward M. Wojtys M.D.

Authors
  1. Benjamin Noonan M.D.
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  2. Edward M. Wojtys M.D.
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Correspondence to Benjamin Noonan M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Cincinnati Sportsmedicine Research and E, Montgomery Road 10663, Cincinnati, 45242, Ohio, USA

    Frank R. Noyes

  2. Cincinnati Sportsmedicine Research and E, Montgomery Road 10663, Cincinnati, 45242, Ohio, USA

    Sue Barber-Westin

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Noonan, B., Wojtys, E.M. (2012). Gender Differences in Muscular Protection of the Knee. In: Noyes, F., Barber-Westin, S. (eds) ACL Injuries in the Female Athlete. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32592-2_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32592-2_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-32591-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-32592-2

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