496 BO56 – Technique modification and training gamification are efficacious in reducing the peak knee abduction moment during high-intensity change-of-direction maneuvers

Background Injury prevention exercise programs (IPEPs) have proven efficacious in reducing the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in multi-directional team sports (Emery et al. 2015); however, their preventative effects may be further improved if IPEPs 1) included a stronger focus on improving change-of-direction (COD) movement technique given the frequent occurrence of knee injuries during COD (Dos'Santos et al. 2019) and 2) followed recommendations for creating optimal motor learning environments such as facilitating implicit learning, fostering self-organized learning, and thus increasing motivation (Benjaminse and Verhagen 2021). Objective To investigate the influence of 1) a COD-technique focused IPEP and 2) a gamified COD training program fostering implicit and self-organized learning on COD movement strategies, specifically the peak knee abduction moment (pKAM) compared to a control IPEP. Design Quasi-randomized controlled trial. Setting Training interventions with baseline and follow-up laboratory experiments. Participants Thirty-two sports science students (50% female) with experience in multi-directional sports. Intervention Three 8-week neuromuscular training programs: 1) generic IPEP + COD technique training (CODG), 2) gamified laser tag COD training (LG), and 3) generic IPEP + linear sprint training (control, CG). Main Outcome Measures pKAM during a maximum-speed 135° COD as a risk factor for ACL injury. Results According to a linear mixed model (adjusted for sex, COD speed/angle), there was a significant interaction (F(2,315)=3.641, p=0.027) between the training group and time (baseline vs. follow-up) with respect to the pKAM. The pKAM was reduced in the CODG and LG but increased in the CG following training. Conclusion IPEPS with a focus on COD technique and gamified COD training programs are more efficacious in reducing the pKAM during COD compared to a generic IPEP alone. Including a COD technique focus and gamified elements in IPEPs may help to further improve their injury prevention benefits with respect to non-contact ACL injuries.