Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in female soccer and frequently occur during change-of-direction (COD) movements without contact. Biomechanical deficits during these movements are considered important risk factors.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a targeted injury-prevention program on biomechanical movement quality and performance during change-of-direction tasks in female soccer players.
Participants will perform a 90° cutting task during which biomechanical movement quality will be assessed using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS), while performance will be evaluated using cutting time measured with photoelectric timing gates. Participants will also perform the 505 Agility Test to assess additional change-of-direction performance.
In addition, subjective perceptions of functional confidence and performance will be collected using Likert-scale questionnaires.
The study will assess whether a structured prevention program integrated into regular training can improve biomechanical movement patterns and change-of-direction performance.
Female soccer players aged 13 to 16 years
Female soccer players training at least 3 times per week
Ability to provide informed consent (parental consent required for minors)
Previous lower-limb surgery
Current musculoskeletal injury
Refusal to participate or withdrawal of consent