Brains and Sprains: The Brain's Role in Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Abstract

Small mental errors in judgment or coordination at illtimed phases of movement planning could lead to the rapid, premature onset of large joint forces during sports. If these loads are not fully anticipated, then preprogrammed muscle contractions may be insufficient for stiffness levels to provide dynamic restraint, regardless of sex. This sequence of events would limit the capacity of muscles to act in a load-compensating manner, thereby exposing capsuloligamentous structures to failure. The importance of various neuropsychological characteristics in injury proneness should be explored to enhance prevention and rehabilitation strategies.