Biography
Biography: Trent Nessler
Abstract
Every year there are over 250,000 anterior cruciate ligament injuries (ACL) in high schoolathletics. The abnormal movement patterns of the lower limbs that put athletes at risk for these injuries are well known and documented in the research. Boling et al and Coppack et al have shown that these same abnormal movement patterns associated with ACL injury risk in athletics also lead to increased injury rates among military recruits. DeHaven et al showed that it is these same movement patterns among recruits that leads patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), one of the most common lower extremity injures suffered among recruits. Firestone et al showed that insufficient training among recruits leads to these movement patterns and increases risk of lower limb injury with high impact activities such as running, cutting and jumping. Although the movement patterns have been well documented in the biomechanical literature, little is still understood on how to assess this in a clinical or physical setting. Many have speculated that these movement patterns are primarily driven by decreased maximal volitional contraction (MVC) and altered muscle sequencing between the quadriceps and hamstrings. However, Stearns et al and Pullen et al showed that decreased MVC of the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus and poor core strength contribute to these abnormal movement patterns that put athletes and recruits at risk. Although it is well understood and documented on how to address these weaknesses, there has still been little blending of the knowledge gained from the biomechanical literature with the rehabilitation sciences. In this workshop, the presenter will provide participants with how to assess these movements in athletic populations and we can apply rehabilitation science and techniques to improve. This will be an active workshop so be prepared to move!