Isokinetic lower-limb strength and injury risk among alpine skiers : A retrospective study

Abstract: ACL injuries are severe injuries and also the most common diagnosis among alpine skiers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate alpine skiers isokinetic strength and the risk of ACL injury. 31 alpine skiers were included in this study, 17 men and 14 women, who had conducted physiological assessments between 1999 and 2007 during their active careers. The participants were sent an online questionnaire in 2018 regarding ACL injuries during their active alpine careers. The risk of injury was then evaluated by comparing injured athletes concentric isokinetic strength, hamstring to quadriceps ratio and limb symmetry index with non-injured athletes. Results showed a significant likelihood of injury for having a lower hamstring to quadriceps ratio in the left limb but not in the right limb. There was no significant likelihood of injury and having a greater limb asymmetry. Because of the small number of participants and few ACL injured there is difficult to draw any conclusions. However, there seems to be a relationship of having a lower H/Q ratio on the left limb and the risk of ACL injury. Further research is recommended.