Lower limb alignment in young female athletes is associated with knee joint moments during the drop vertical jump

During sport activities, increased knee motion and loading can lead to injury [1,2]. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are frequently reported in female athletes participating in soccer, handball and basketball, and are mostly non-contact injuries [3]. Inadequate neuromuscular control, hormonal and anatomical factors have been suggested as possible risk factors for knee injuries in women [4]. Among the anatomical risk factors is malalignment of the lower extremity, where increased knee valgus is probably the fi nding most commonly associated with ACL rupture [5].