Altered motor control strategies are a proposed cause of the female athlete`s increased risk for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury. Injury prevention programs have shown promising results in decreasing the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Modified Neuromuscular Training Program on the biomechanics of select jumping tasks in the female collegiate athlete. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Thirty female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I soccer and basketball players performed vertical jump, hopping tests, and 2 jumping tasks (drop jump and stop jump). All subjects completed a 6-week neuromuscular training program with core strengthening and plyometric training. Three-dimensional motion analysis and force plate data were used to compare the kinetics and kinematics of jumping tasks before and after training. Results: Dynamic knee valgus moment during the stance phase of stop jump tasks decreased after completion of the neuromuscular training program (P = .04), but differences were not observed for the drop jump. Initial knee flexion (P = .003) and maximum knee flexion (P = .006) angles increased during the stance phase of drop jumps after training, but differences were not observed for the stop jump. The athletes showed improved performance in vertical jump (P < .001), right 1-legged hop (P < .001), and left 1-legged hop (P < .001). Conclusion: Completion of a 6-week neuromuscular training program improved select athletic performance measures and changed movement patterns during jumping tasks in the subject population. Clinical Relevance: The use of this neuromuscular training program could potentially modify the collegiate athlete`s motion strategies, improve performance, and lower the athlete`s risk for injury.
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