STRATEGIES FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the main causes of sports withdrawal, especially in athletes who perform sudden changes in direction, jumping and deceleration movements. Due to the biomechanical complexity of the knee and the high physical demands of sports, understanding injury mechanisms and the role of physiotherapeutic strategies in prevention and rehabilitation is essential. This study aimed to evaluate physiotherapy strategies used in the prevention and treatment of ACL injuries in athletes, highlighting their effectiveness in reducing injury incidence and promoting return to sport. This literature review was conducted between August and September 2025 in the SCIELO, PUBMED and BVS databases, using the descriptors: “physiotherapy”, “prevention”, “treatment”, “rehabilitation”, “anterior cruciate ligament” and “athletes”. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included, available in full text in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Six studies were selected. The findings showed that structured and progressive physiotherapy programs ensure full functional recovery in more than 90% of athletes after ACL reconstruction. Preventive protocols, such as FIFA 11+ and Knäkontroll, reduced the risk of new injuries by up to 50%, improving strength, stability and muscular symmetry, enabling a safe return to sports.