Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Rehabilitation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major tissue that is found in your knee joint that connects your femur to your tibia. ACL injuries occur when too much stress is placed on the knee. Different motions can cause your ACL to tear (e.g., landing awkwardly from a jump, a collision directly to your knee, changing directions quickly). While thousands of people tear their ACLs every year, the injury is especially common in athletes. When an individual tears his or her ACL, he or she must undergo surgery and then attend rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is vital in gaining back the stability and mobility of the knee. Many people recover from ACL injuries differently. There are many exercises that can be helpful in the rehabilitation process (e.g., lunges, squats, running, walking, box jumps). This presentation will discuss the rehabilitation process of ACL injuries. It will also explain the most effective way to gain back your mobility and stability, as well as strategies to prevent this injury.