Hi there -
Today I began my preliminary research into ACL stretching prevention. I began with a quick Google search on existing prevention programs, and began to take note of the exercises that were listed. Throughout my research, I had to keep in mind my goals: that these exercises should be tailored towards younger, female athlete, and that these exercises should be easy to do on the field before a game or practice. Through my research so far, I have found that a lot of the exercises work on strengthening the surrounding leg muscles in order to cushion and protect the knee and surrounding tissue. I also researched what an ACL actually is, and what happens when it is torn. Along with this, I have began research into current ACL prevention programs, and what exercises are common.
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Welcome back!
During my mentor meeting with Ms. Blanck, we discussed our plans moving forward. Ms. Blanck and I discussed getting in touch with college coaches around the area of a variety of female sports to research what programs they currently have in place. We thought this could be a valuable way to see what stretching programs are being utilized now, and how I could improve on them, or tweak them to be better for female high school athletes. We also discussed that this summer will consist of mostly research, and throughout the school year will become much more hands on. Thanks for keeping up with me! - Emma Welcome!!
Any athlete's biggest fear is injury. No matter how serious, an injury means having to step out of the game and watch. I knew that I wanted to step in when I saw a strangely high number of my teammates sidelined by debilitating injuries, specifically ACL tears. I saw firsthand the mental, physical, and emotional toll this injury had on young athletes, and thus sparked my interest in prevention. My portion of the project consists of a stretching program tailored to female athletes, with the goal of preventing ACL tears. This summer, I will begin my research on the available stretching programs now, as well as begin to compile stretches into a program. I will get my research evaluated by my mentor as well as other medical professionals. Thank you for keeping updated with my journey, and stay tuned! :) - Emma |