Duke Researchers Working To Prevent Knee Injuries
Posted December 3, 2001
DURHAM, N.C. — A torn ACL. Those three letters can end a sports career. Researchers at Duke are working to prevent these painful knee injuries with the help of some local high school athletes.
The Southern Durham High School Lady Spartans are taking big steps in sports science. The team is working with the
Duke Sports Medicine Center
on a study to develop an exercise program to prevent anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries, the most common among female athletes.
"We think a lot of it has to do with just their anatomical structure and just their weaknesses," said Dr. Alison Toth of the Sports Medicine Center.
Three times a week, players go through an intense 20-minute warm-up. By building strength and flexibility in the back, hips and knees, they hope to prevent serious injuries this season.
Trainers from Duke will work with the team throughout the season. Then they will take a look at the number of injuries and see just how successful the program is.