“In humans, the only evidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) hypertrophy comes from a small cross-sectional study of elite weight lifters and control participants; that study had methodological weaknesses and, thus, more evidence is needed.”
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“To investigate bilateral differences in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cross-sectional area for evidence of unilateral hypertrophy in athletes who have habitually loaded 1 leg more than the other.”
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“We recruited 52 figure skaters and springboard divers because the former always land/jump on the same leg while the latter always drive the same leg into the board during their hurdle approach.”
“Athletes who habitually loaded 1 leg more than the other before, during, and after puberty exhibited significant unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) hypertrophy.”
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“This study suggests that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may be able to be “trained” in athletes. If done correctly, it could help lower the risk for ACL injuries.”
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M.L. Beaulieu, et al
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament Can Become Hypertrophied in Response to Mechanical Loading: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Elite Athletes
American Journal Of Sports Medicine — Volume — July 2021 — page 2371