1. Discussion/Conclusion We found very mixed results. In the soccer team, the test group exhibited a much higher difference in both the right and left legs than the control group. This confirmed our hypothesis that the training would have a positive impact on knee strength. In the field hockey team, the results were quite disappointing. The control group saw an increase in leg strength in one leg, while the test group actually saw a statistically significant drop in leg strength in their right leg. Some of our results may be skewed because the control group did some exercises with the coach that might have increased their leg strength independent of our training protocol. In summary, our tests on the soccer team provide some basis for encouragement that a simple and inexpensive protocol of exercises could significantly increase knee strength and reduce the likelihood of ACL tears in young female athletes. Future Research should include: –Increasing the size of our test groups –Controlling more carefully for exogenous factors that could influence results Introduction Ever since the implementation of Title IX, a piece of legislation passed in 1972 that requires colleges and universities that receive federal funds to provide women with equal opportunity to compete in sports, female athletic activity has increased dramatically. In response, female high school graduation rates have increased and tests have shown higher levels of self-esteem in women. However, certain negative outcomes have appeared as well, including an increase in injuries to the ACL (a major knee ligament) These injuries are not only painful but also expensive – at an estimated surgical and rehabilitation cost of almost a billion dollars per year. One tear can take an athlete out of her sport for 6-10 months after surgery. Seventy percent of ACL injuries occur in non-contact situations, such as change of direction or cutting maneuvers combined with deceleration, landing from a jump in or near full extension, and pivoting with knee near full extension and a planted foot. Review of Literature : Alentorn-Geli found numerous ACL injury risk factors including dry weather and surface, and artificial surface instead of natural grass, generalized and specific knee joint laxity, decreased relative hamstring strength and recruitment, muscular fatigue by altering neuromuscular control and decreased core strength and proprioception among many others. (2000) Lynn Syder-Mackler et al. addressed the problem that perturbation training has shown positive results in healthy females, but gender-specific responses to training after injury have not been evaluated. (2012) Purpose: to show that participation in a low budget three-week training plan can reduce the risk of an ACL tear. Hypothesis: Athletes who participate in a three week training plan will demonstrate higher knee strength. Prevention of ACL Tears in Female Athletes using a Low-Cost Neuromuscular Training Plan Alice Rudolph-Shabinsky Results: 12 to 18 Years of Age Between heights of 4’10” and 6’0” 26 Female Athletes References: 1. Alentorn-Geli, Griffin, Letha Y., Julie Agel, Marjorie J. Albohm, Elizabeth A. Arendt, Randall W. Dick, and William E. Garrett. "Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons." Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2000. Web. 04 Jan. 2013. 2. "Title IX: What Is It? - Title Nine." Title IX: What Is It? - Title Nine. N.p., 2013. Web. 14 Jan. 2013. 3. Snyder-Mackler, Lynn, and Stephanie L. Di Stasi. "The Effect of Neuromuscular Training on the Gait Patterns of ACL-deficient Men and Women." Sciencedirect.com. Elsevier, 2012. Web. 17 Jan. 2013. www.femaleathletesfirst.com