THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF THE PREVENT INJURY ENHANCE PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME (PEP) ON ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY RISK FACTORS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects the prevent injury enhance performance programme (PEP) had on lower extremity biomechanics in relation to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) risk factors compared to when it was not performed. 8 healthy males were required to perform a number of drop rebound jumps as a task that mimicked the sudden deceleration seen during ACL injuries. The PEP significantly (p<0.05) increased electromyography (EMG) activity for muscles in both the dominant and non-dominant legs prior to and after the landing of the vertical jump component of the drop rebound jump in relation to control measures. These results indicate the effectiveness of the PEP as a warmup routine for high risk sports.