Rio Olympics - ACL injuries strain more than our knees

OTTAWA, July 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury affects a quarter of a million North Americans each year¹ and is the most common critical knee injury in active adults. They are most prevalent in activities that involve sudden changes of direction, quick decelerations and jumping, such as soccer and basketball. 

ACL injuries not only take a toll on athletes in the short-term, but impact our medical system by increasing rates of early-onset osteoarthritis. And, interestingly, females are far more likely to suffer these effects. But why?

Under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Benoit, MSc Candidate Mr. Michael Del Bel received CIHR funding to investigate the gaps in ACL injury research to inform prevention programs, reduce the toll on our health care system, and protect healthy, active Canadians.

Dr. Daniel Benoit and Mr. Michael Del Bel are available to share their expertise on the topic.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca

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¹ "New Position Statement on ACL Injury Prevention." Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine http://casem-acmse.org/new-position-statement-on-acl-injury-prevention/

SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research

For further information: David Coulombe, Media Relations, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 613-941-4563, [email protected]