ACL Mechanical Property Changes in Female Collegiate Basketball Players During a Competitive Season

This prospective cohort study aims to investigate whether the mechanical properties of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) undergo measurable changes throughout a competitive basketball season in female collegiate athletes. Female athletes are at a significantly higher risk for non-contact ACL injuries compared to males. Beyond acute injuries, cumulative stress from high-intensity sports may lead to subclinical alterations in the ligament's biomechanical properties, potentially increasing injury risk. Using non-invasive shear wave elastography (SWE) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, the study will monitor 60 elite players before and after the University Basketball League (UBL) season. The findings will help identify potential signs of cumulative loading and contribute to the development of early detection markers for injury risk in female athletes.

Inclusion Criteria: * Female collegiate basketball players currently active in Division I * Aged between 18 and 35 years * At least 5 years of formal basketball training experience * No prior history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in either knee * Ability to participate in both pre-season and post-season testing sessions Exclusion Criteria: * Lower limb injury during the study period resulting in interruption of training for one month or longer * Bilateral knee surgery for any reason during the course of the study