Book Chapter
Liosis, L.-D. (2025). Incorporation of objective and subjective autoregulation strategies in anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention resistance training protocols: A comprehensive and innovative approach for increased effectiveness. In A. Los Arcos, Iñaki E., A. GonzĂ¡lez-Artetxe & R. MartĂnez-Santos (Eds.), Prevention and reconditioning of injuries in football association (1st ed., pp. 36–77). Dykinson.
Authors
DOI
Abstract
Despite the extensive research that has been conducted on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, the frequency of such injuries has not diminished. The vast majority of ACL injuries incorporate non-contact/indirect contact injuries, which can be prevented on a more consistent basis than contact injuries. Strength training is one of the most fundamental components of ACL injury prevention protocols especially when utilized in combination with neuromuscular and plyometric training. Despite the alleged effectiveness of ACL injury prevention protocols, their constituent elements, including intensity and volume considerations, have not been delineated yet; explicit and standardized guidelines are still lacking. Workload monitoring, by the use of various proximity to failure training strategies is suggested to enhance the effectiveness and safety of ACL injury prevention protocols. It is recommended that strength-power improvements via the application of the combined implementation of both subjective and objective autoregulation strategies (percentage-based training, velocity-based training, repetitions-in reserve/ratings of perceived exertion) can serve the basis for improvements in strength, power, speed and change of direction performance, optimize landing mechanics, and limit the manifestation of dynamic knee valgus in soccer athletes, ultimately safeguarding them against ACL injuries. Explicit guidelines have been provided and exemplified for each respective proximity to failure training strategy both in isolation and as part of an all-inclusive load monitoring strategy. Our model equips practitioners with the tools needed to flexibly and successfully respond to the intricacies of each respective soccer athlete and training phase.
