Gender specific ACL loading patterns during the fencing lunge: Implications for ACL injury risk

Purpose: Determine whether gender differences in ACL loading linked to the aetiology of injures are evident during the fencing lunge. Materials and methods: ACL loading was obtained from ten male and ten female fencers using an eight-camera 3D motion capture system and force platform data as they completed simulated lunges. Gender differences in ACL loading parameters were examined using independent samples t tests. Results: Peak ACL load and instantaneous rate of loading were significantly larger in female fencers (6.21 N/kg & 511.18 N/kg/s) in comparison to males (4.04 N/kg & 378.77 N/kg/s). Conclusions: This investigation indicates that female fencers may be at increased risk from ACL pathologies. Future analyses should seek to investigate and implement strategies aimed at reducing ACL loading in female fencers.