Patellar tendinopathy is a very common injury in sports such as cycling, football or basket, although it can also affect sedentary people whose activity requires active participation of the knee joint. The function of patellar tendon serves as a link between the patella and tibia and is key for the knee extension, as well as other activities such as jumping, bending, going up and down stairs.
This injury does not usually develop inflammation as it is degenerative. The injured tendon shows hypercellularity with an atypical proliferation of fibroblast and endothelial cells among the vascularization. There is a lack of longitudinal collagen fibers, with gaps between their fibers, a rupture of collagen fibers. Assessing the tendon irritability is critical in patellar tendinopathy to determine the severity of symptoms after energy storage and release activities (e.g., sprints, jumps, changes of direction).
Symptoms
Patellar tendinopathy injury is characterized by a stabbing pain under the patella, deep to the tendon. The pain is more pronounced on the knee flexion or when performing any action that requires knee strength. Depending on the severity of the injury, pain may be a limiting factor and prevent full flexion of the knee or the practice of any sporting activity. Early intervention and an adequate rehabilitation program are paramount to avoid aggravation of the injury and chronicity, when the recovery process will be longer and more difficult.
Patellar tendinopathy usually begins with a ‘mild discomfort’ during activity, which ceases immediately after exertion. It is very common ‘not to give it importance’, but if an appropriate rehabilitation program is not performed and the injury becomes symptomatic, the recovery is more difficult since there will be a progressive degeneration of the tendon and the pain will increase, even breaking the tendon.
Common causes of patellar tendinopathy
Stiffness of leg muscles, with shorter ranges of motions.
Repetitive stress caused by microtrauma, such as continuous landings and jumps (e.g., volleyball) or constant pedalling.
Inadequate load adaptations or progressions.
Deficient body posture or poor technique.
In conclusion, all situations involving excessive stress on the tendon that may lead to inflammation or microtears.
Schwartz et al. (2015) establishes the following risk factors:
Increased weight.
Wrist-hip ratio.
Asymmetry in leg length.
Height of foot arc.
Strength and flexibility of quadriceps.
Flexibility of hamstrings.
Sports involving continuous jumping and landing.
Treatment of patellar tendinopathy
The treatment of patellar tendinopathy must be individualized due to the affectation, aggravation, causes and specific requirement of each person can be very different. Consequently, recovery time can vary significatively. If the injury is not advanced and timing of intervention is adequate, recovery does not have to be a long process and even the treatment can be combined simultaneously with the specific practice by reducing the volume of load. There are studies showing that one third of athletes with patellar tendinopathy return to play after 6 months (Malliaras et al., 2015). However, if the treatment is not appropriate or the injury becomes chronic, the recovery process is very tedious and lengthen up to 12-18 months. Finally, the literature shows that 53% of athletes retire after this injury.
The recovery process of patellar tendinopathy may be slightly painful for the athlete as the intensity or load of the exercises will be regulated according to his subjective perception of pain. In this sense, pain rating with the visual analogue scale (VAS) is a good method to evaluate the workload.
I usually work with an athlete’s pain perception of 3-5 on the VAS (Malliaras et al., 2015), especially early in the recovery process. Nonetheless, this can vary depending on the athlete, severity of the injury, competition demands and the risk you are willing to take. Anyways, I do not consider appropriate to exceed 6 on the VAS.
Appropriate guidelines in the treatment of this injury:
Reduce the load volume.
Isometric contractions at 30-60º (especially early in the recovery process).
Slow contractions with high resistance.
Eccentric contractions of quadriceps.
Eccentric squat on declined surface of 20-25º, eliminating the concentric phase of movement.
Strength exercises with closed kinetic chain.
Strengthening and stretching of the musculature implicated in the flexion-extension of the knee (quadriceps and hamstrings) to complete the full range of motion.
Progression from bilateral to unilateral exercises.
Progression by increasing the speed of execution and towards SSC exercises.
Assess unilateral strength with declined 90º-squat test using the VAS immediately- and 24 hours after the exercise.
Application of ice to the affected area.
Combine training and physiotherapy.
Below, I propose a generic exercise program for the rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy for the initial stages of the process. It is recommended to perform this program 3 times per week and progress gradually increasing the load and speed of execution, and towards from bilateral to unilateral movements. The principles of individualization and progression of the load must be considered for an optimal rehabilitation process. In addition, as previously mentioned, reducing the volume of activity is key in the recovery of this injury.
Exercise
Sets/Reps
Ankle dorsal flexion
3x15reps each leg
Seated straight Leg Raise (overloaded)
6×20” each leg
Isometric bilateral squat (overloaded)
4×45” / 60” Recovery
Eccentric bilateral squat on declined surface (20-25º)
4x10reps / 45-60” Rec
Eccentric unilateral squat on declined surface
3×6-8reps / 45-60” Rec
One-leg stability on bosu
4×25” each leg / 20” Rec
Alternating front lunges
4x16reps / 30” Rec
References
Clifford, C., Challoumas, D., Paul, L., Syme, G., & Millar, N. L. (2020). Effectiveness of isometric exercise in the management of tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 6(1), e000760.
Lim, H. Y., & Wong, S. H. (2018). Effects of isometric, eccentric, or heavy slow resistance exercises on pain and function in individuals with patellar tendinopathy: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Research International, 23(4), 1–15.
Malliaras, P., Cook, J., Purdam, C., & Rio, E. (2015). Patellar tendinopathy: Clinical diagnosis, load management, and advice for challenging case presentations. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 45(11), 887–898.
Muaidi, Q. I. (2020). Rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy. Journal of Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions, 20(4), 535–540.
Murtaugh, B., & M. Ihm, J. (2013). Eccentric Training for the Treatment of Tendinopathies. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 12(3), 175–182.
Schwartz, A., Watson, J. N., & Hutchinson, M. R. (2015). Patellar Tendinopathy. Sports Health, 7(5), 415–420.
Van Ark, M., Van den Akker-Scheek, I., Meijer, L. T. B., & Zwerver, J. (2013). An exercise-based physical therapy program for patients with patellar tendinopathy after platelet-rich plasma injection. Physical Therapy in Sport, 14(2), 124–130.
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This article has been made based on the references showed, other studies reviewed but not showed and according to the experience and knowledge of the author. In this way, it may include subjective ideas and opinions not contrasted in the research.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) knee tear is very common in contact and pivoting sports such as soccer, basket, handball or ski. It is considered one of the most severe injuries in sport as it usually requires surgery and a long recovery process.
There is a high percentage of athletes who are not able to return to their pre-injury level or even finish their sport careers after suffering this injury. It is therefore paramount to develop an adequate rehabilitation program.
Anatomy
The ACL is a broad ligament that originates from the posterolateral aspect of the intercondylar notch and inserts into the anterior tibial plateau, just lateral to the tibial spine. It is composed of 2 primary functional bundles:
The anteromedial (AM) bundle: It is the primary restraint to anterior tibial translation in the flexed knee. It is generally composed of isometric fibers with increased tightens in flexion. The AM-bundle tightens is reduced from 0 to 30º, and increase from 30 to 130º.
The posterolateral (PL) bundle: provides additional rotational stability to the knee. It is generally composed of anisometric fibers that wrap the AM-bundle during knee flexion forming an arch. The PL-bundle tightens in extension: it gradually decreases from 0 to 90º of flexion and increase from 90º onwards.
Figure 1. Role of AM and PL bundles during knee flexion (retrieved from Sonnery-Connet & Colombet, 2016).
Function of ACL
The ACL is the major stabilizing structure of the knee-joint:
Avoid anterior tibial translation over the femur (main function).
Restrain internal rotation of the tibia.
Resist varus and valgus forces at the knee.
Main injury mechanisms
Figure 2. Distinctive body position in ACL injury (retrieved from LaBella, Hennrikus & Hewett, 2014)
The ACL is commonly injured via a non-contact mechanism during sports participation (70%), particularly in sports involving jumping, pivoting and cutting maneuvers. There is a distinctive body position that is related to non-contact ACL-injury (1) (Figure 2):
Internal rotation of the hip.
Semi-flexion of the knee, close to full extension.
Foot planted into the ground.
The body is decelerating, resulting in a dynamic knee valgus.
In the systematic review and meta-analysis of Pappas et al. (2), 4 theories are proposed as to the causes that significantly increase the risk of ACL injury in athletes:
Ligament dominance theory: athletes at high ACL injury risk perform landing and cutting maneuvers with excessive dynamic knee valgus, hip adduction and hip internal rotation.
Trunk dominance theory: deficits in trunk control lead to increased risk for ACL injury.
Quadriceps dominance theory: excessive quadriceps forces relative to posterior chain recruitment place the ACL at high risk for injury.
Leg dominance theory: large leg-to-leg asymmetries.
In soccer, this injury is usually occurred in the following situations:
Internal turns with the knee semi-flexed and the foot planted on the ground.
On jumps when the athlete lands with the knee extended.
Aggressive actions that cause a dynamic knee valgus (e.g., after an opponent’s thrust).
Injury incidence
Relevant data regarding the injury incidence for the management of ACL tear are shown below (3–5):
RTP rate: 82%
Rate of preinjury level: 63%
35-45% of athletes do not return to competitive sport (RTS).
Even at elite-level, 20-25% of athletes are incapable to RTS.
In professional soccer, RTS is very high (>90%) one year after injury. However, only 65% of players are still competing at the top level 3 years after ACL reconstruction (ACLR).
Risk of ACL reinjury in the following two years: 15% (all ages).
Young athletes (<25 years): 30% in the following two years.
The risk of reinjury is x30-40 higher in matches than in training.
The risk of ACL tear is higher in women than in men.
In addition, athletes with a follow-up ≥ 24 months reported a much higher rate of RTS than those with a follow-up < 24 months (65% and 38%, respectively) (3). However, these values may vary according to the type of sport analysed.
Partial-tear vs total-tear of ACL
Among ACL injuries in sports, total ligament tear is the most common. Partial tears accounts for only 10-28% of all ACL tears, being more prevalent in men and young athletes (6). The injury incidence is higher in the PL-bundle as it receives greater stress. Also, partial tears progress to total tears in 50% of cases (7).
On the other hand, when an athlete is injured with an ACL-tear, it is very common that other structures of the knee, such as meniscus, are also affected (8). These authors found in their review that approximately 50% of acute ACL injuries also involved meniscal tears. In addition, the risk of osteoarthritis is higher in patients who have had a concomitant meniscal injury compared to an isolated ACL injury (48% vs 13%, respectively). The risk of concomitant meniscal injury is lower with partial tears (24%) than total tears (42%) of ACL. Accordingly, ACLR is warranted in those patients to reduce the risk of future osteoarthritis.
The recovery period for partial tears is 5 to 7 months, while for total tears is 9 to 12 months.
Clinical evaluation and tests
Manual tests to evaluate and diagnose an ACL tear:
Lachman test (for anterior knee instability)
Anterior drawer test (for anterior knee instability)
Pivot-shift test (rotatory knee instability)
Test to assess the damage on Associated structures:
Valgus/varus stress test (for collateral ligaments)
McMurray’s test (for menisci)
Posterior drawer test (for PCL)
Reverse pivot shift test (for posterolateral complex)
*Either way, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard test to confirm an ACL tear.
ACLR vs conservative treatment
ACL reconstruction is the most common surgical procedure after an ACL tear, and is especially recommended for young athletes. However, some authors have argued that conservative treatment for ACL tears may provide sufficient knee stability for patients who do not have the desire to engage in ‘high-risk’ activities, such as the practice of sports like soccer, basket or ski. It should be noted also that the risk of reinjury with conservative treatment is 50% (7).
For developing the conservative treatment, it is very important that the athlete must be a coper. According to the revision of Secrist et al. (8), non-copers show several properties different from copers, such as worse balance and gait patterns that cause excessive internal rotation of the tibia, among others. Some characteristics that potential copers must have in order to perform conservative treatment are:
No concomitant injuries
LSI ≥ 80% (for all hop tests)
> 80% KOS-ADLS
> 60% IKDC 1000 (self-report of knee function)
≤ 1% subjective report of knee giving way
In patients with isolated ACL-tears, there is also the option of delaying ACLR for up to 6 months and performing perturbation exercises during this period to develop dynamic mechanisms while the final decision of surgery is determined. Either way, ACLR must be addressed when there is concomitant meniscal injury or symptomatic instability in order to reduce the risk of additional knee injuries. According to the current literature, all ACL tears in sport should be treated with ACLRs as soon as possible.
Rehabilitation program after ACLR
In high-level sport, the period of time between the athlete performing ACLR and RTS is usually between 6 and 9 months. However, most authors consider a short period of time to adequately recover this injury (3,5,7,9–11). Van Melick et al. (11) recommend a minimum recovery of 12 months after an ACLR in soccer to return to competition with lower risks. Nonetheless, several authors have found no differences between an accelerated rehabilitation program (≤ 6 months) compared to a ‘common’ program (12). In this sense, the rehabilitation program is highly affected by the individual characteristics of the athlete, such as the injury history, age or gender, among others.
Before-surgery phase
Several authors recommend starting the rehabilitation program before ACLR for the following reasons (11):
Full knee extension deficit before surgery is the main risk factor for extension deficit after ACLR.
Quadriceps strength deficit > 20% prior to surgery may negatively affect the athlete during the two years after ACLR.
Starting rehabilitation properly before ACLR ensures better knee function for two years after ACLR.
Early phase (4-6 weeks post-surgery)
The rehabilitation process should begin 24 hours after the ACLR with assisted mobility exercises.
Controlling pain and swelling is one of the most important goals in the early postoperative rehabilitation stage.
Light-WB immediately after surgery does not affect knee laxity and reduces anterior knee pain. However, it should only be performed if the movement pattern is adequate and there is no pain (11).
Cryotherapy is recommended to reduce swelling.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be useful to improve the quadriceps strength during this phase when movement is limited, in addition to promote the activation and re-education of voluntary contraction.
Goals (13,14):
Minimize pain and swelling.
Protect the healing graft.
Minimize the effect of immobilization.
Establish a normal gait pattern.
Eventually discontinue crutch use.
Achieve 90-120º of flexion and full extension.
Promote quadriceps function and good quadriceps control (neuromuscular control).
Restore the ability to perform a straight-leg raise (SLR) without a quadriceps lag.
Progression to full weight bearing (WB).
Criteria for progressing to the next phase:
Walk normally without crutches or gait deviation
Full passive knee extension symmetric to the non-involved knee.
100-120º of knee flexion.
No evidence of an extensor lag.
Minimal effusion or other signs of active inflammation.
Strengthening phase (4-6 weeks to 6 months post-surgery)
Progression of WB in closed kinetic chain (CKC) and non-WB in open kinetic chain (OKC).
First 3 months after surgery:
Limited ROM between 90-60º (for non-WB knee extensions).
ROM 0-60º for WB exercises.
>3-4 months:
OKC knee-extensions through full arc of motion.
Initiating OCK knee-flexions to increase the strength of hamstrings (> 6 weeks).
CKC progression of ROM 75-90º (WB exercises).
Goals
Proper technique.
Avoiding compensatory mechanisms.
Continuing progression of strengthening.
Neuromuscular control.
Train the balance and proprioception.
Core stability training.
Jogging.
Preparation for the return to activity and sports stage.
Criteria for progressing to RTP phase
Appropriate strength: Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) (3,4,9,11,15):
LSI≥90%
Specific for pivoting sports: LSI ≥100%
Achieve good balance.
No pain or gait difficulties.
*Gathering the criteria for progressing to RTP phase before starting reduce the risk of reinjury by 75-84% (4).
Return to play (RTP)
In the RTP phase the athlete should be progressively incorporated into the team’s training while continuing his specific rehabilitation program.
Goals
Complete the entire functional rehabilitation spectrum.
Full return to the patient’s previous level of daily, occupational, and athletic activity, and sports participation.
Gradual increase in specific function.
Strengthening exercises through the full ROM and
Enhance NM control.
Progression to full-effort sprinting, cutting and plyometric activities.
Quadriceps index ≥85%, appropriate ROM, strength, proprioception and cardiovascular capacity.
Progressive incorporation to team training until completing the full session normally.
Criteria to return to competition (RTS):
LSI strength index of the Knee flexors and extensors:
Pivoting sports: LSI = 100%
Other sports: LSI ≥ 90%
LSI-index hop tests: LSI > 90% (all sports)
Subjective perception of having an appropriate level readiness for competition (ACL-RSI scale): no fear, good sensations.
Adequate subjective self-perception of function and symptoms (IKDC 1000 or IKDC 2000).
Risk factors for ACL reinjury: increased valgus, low hip internal rotation with asymmetry in knee extension at initial contact during a vertical jump at landing, and postural stability deficits during single leg stance.
Athletes with ACLR show impaired hip-ankle coordination in dynamic 1-leg activities.
At high-level sport, the RTS is usually after 6 months of ACLR. However, there is a high risk reinjury from 6 to 12 months. Accordingly, biological and functional deficits last up to 2 years after ACLR (5). Most authors recommend a recovery process of 12 months before returning to competition. In addition, environments should be as realistic and context-specific as possible when evaluating the ability to RTS: under fatigue and reactive situations. Finally, it is paramount to take into account the athlete’s self-perceived symptoms/function and psychological readiness for RTS due to the increased percentage of athletes with a fear of reinjury after an ACL tear.
Conclusions
The implementation of specific prevention programs will reduce the risk of ACL injury in sport. These programs must emphasize correction of biomechanical technics individually in order to improve neuromuscular control.
The specific exercises’ program and follow-up of the rehabilitation process after ACLR should be at least 24 months, despite starting to compete 9-12 months after surgery.
Currently an elevated number of tests and clinical evaluations are performed for RTS in sport. However, the literature shows adverse results in the recovery of this injury in sport. Webster & Feller (16) consider that more focus should be placed on identifying a smaller number of tests that are more predictive.
The hop performance tests are the most consistent predictors of a subsequent RTS.
It is paramount to take into account self-perceived symptoms/function and psychological readiness of the athletes in the decision of RTS.
The risk of ACL tears and reinjury is greater in young athletes < 25 years.
The RTS should be 9 to 12 months after ACLR.
ACLR is recommended after ACL tear among athletes, especially in contact and pivoting sports.
The conservative treatment, if applied, may only be performed by copers.
If applied, only copers may perform conservative treatment.
Although is essential in the rehabilitation programs after ACLR to optimize and attain proper gait and quality patterns, it should be noted that ACL injuries in sport do not usually occur under pre-planned movements. Therefore, athletes should simulate competitive conditions in training prior to RTS: under fatigue and reactive situations.
It is essential to have load management strategies during the RTP-phase to ensure optimal recovery and adaptation.
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Pappas E, Nightingale EJ, Simic M, Ford KR, Hewett TE, Myer GD. Do exercises used in injury prevention programmes modify cutting task biomechanics? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2015; 49(10): 673–80.
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Yadav S, Singh S. Analysis of partial bundle anterior cruciate ligament tears- diagnosis and management with ACL augmentation. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020; 11: S337–41.
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Czuppon S, Racette BA, Klein SE, Harris-Hayes M. Variables associated with return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2014; 48(5): 356–64.
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van Melick N, van Cingel REH, Brooijmans F, Neeter C, van Tienen T, Hullegie W, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice update: practice guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation based on a systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus. Br J Sports Med . 2016; 50(24): 1506–15.
van Grinsven S, van Cingel REH, Holla CJM, van Loon CJM. Evidence-based rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surgery, Sport Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010; 18(8): 1128–44.
Yabroudi MA, Irrgang JJ. Rehabilitation and Return to Play After Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Clin Sports Med [Internet]. 2013; 32(1): 165–75.
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Micheo W, Hernández L, Seda C. Evaluation, management, rehabilitation, and prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injury: current concepts. PM R. 2010; 2(10): 935–44.
Webster KE, Feller JA. Who Passes Return-to-Sport Tests, and Which Tests Are Most Strongly Associated With Return to Play After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction? Orthop J Sport Med. 2020; 8(12): 1–8.
Dr. Berni Guerrero-Calderón
S&C Coach | Rehab Therapist |Sport Scientist
If you have any doubt, do not hesitate to leave your comment. If you liked the post, share it on social media!
This article has been made based on the references showed, other studies reviewed but not showed and according to the experience and knowledge of the author. In this way, it may include subjective ideas and opinions not contrasted in the research.
The agility is an essential physical quality in soccer to achieve a quick start to action, change of direction (COD) and short-distance running (1,2). Along with accelerations and maximum speed, agility is one of the most important specific qualities in soccer (3).
Agility: rapid whole-body movement with change of speed or direction in response to a stimulus (4).
Agility consists of two main components:
Change of direction (COD)
Perceptual and decision-making factors.
Performance factors associated to agility
Perceptive and cognitive factors
This factor is of paramount importance in soccer. The reaction time to stimuli could be the predictor of agility time (5). Players with inappropriate decision-makings and long reaction times show higher injury risks (they will be able to avoid fewer collisions, sprained ankles on landings after an aerial fight, etc). In addition, any action involves a prior decision-making process.
Motor pattern
Essential element of CODs ability (4). The presence of decision-making into the action negatively affect the running speed when making the step to change direction, so foot position pattern differs from previously programmed. Reaction time is very important.
Physical factors
The principal purpose of an agility action is re-direction the whole-body in the same direction as fast as possible (6). Several authors have showed a direct relationship between agility tests and jump and sprint performance (2). This author found that players who obtained higher jump height (CMJ and SJ) and lower sprint time showed greater agility. However, other authors did not find such correlation (7).
Small-sided games (SSG)
SSG is a very complete exercise that improves both decision-making and movement speed. However, there is controversy in the literature about its suitability as there are different demands among positions. Furthermore, it is unlikely that players perceive, decide and act on an SSG as they would on the soccer-11 field (8).
Tests
Sporis, Milanovic & Vucetic (9) analyse the reliability and validity of different soccer agility tests. The authors highlight the important to perform the test simulating the real conditions (with football shoes and on the specific surface), to avoid different ground contact forces.
The most used agility tests (9):
Agility tests. Retrieved from Sporis, Jukic, Milanovic, & Vucetic, 2010.
Differences between positions
Different tests are recommended according to the specific functions and demands required for each position:
Defenders: T-Test (longer backward running)
Central-midfielder: s180º/SBD (more CODs and higher frequency)
Attackers: S4x5 (similar movements)
Types of stimuli
Different types of stimuli (EE) are used in agility tests with high reliability: light-EE, video-EE and human-EE. Human-EE show are the most reliable and also are much closer to ‘real situation’ (10).
Light-EE: the player has to react and perform the precise movement or COD when a light is turned on.
Video-EE: the player has to react to an EE presented on screen.
Human-EE: the player acts depending of other player (e.g. reaction to player’s movement).
However, the research is increasing to validate test much closer to real soccer situations; with the ball, decision-makings, more players or unexpected EE.
Conclusions
Finally, agility consists in change direction fast and easy. By training agility, balance and coordination players will be able to move and change direction faster while keeping a good body control and balance. So for improving agility, athletes have to train power, balance, speed and coordination (9). In addition, it is of paramount importance to include perceptive and decision-making process in training (7). The authors advise to use training drills with a series of visual stimuli, where players have to react and change direction repeatedly and have more directional alternatives and running directions. Therefore, SSGs are a recommended training exercise.
References
Lloyd RS, Oliver JL, Radnor JM, Rhodes BC, Faigenbaum AD, Myer GD. Relationships between functional movement screen scores, maturation and physical performance in young soccer players. J Sports Sci. 2014; 33(1): 11–9.
Negra Y, Chaabene H, Hammami M, Amara S, Sammoud S, Mkaouer B, et al. Agility in Young Athletes: Is It a Different Ability From Speed and Power? J strength Cond Res. 2017; 31(3): 727–35.
Little T, Williams A. Specificity of acceleration, maximum speed, and agility in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2005; 19(1): 76–8.
Sheppard JM, Young WB. Agility literature review: Classifications , training and testing. J Sports Sci. 2006; 37–41.
Scanlan A, Humphries B, Tucker PS, Dalbo V. The influence of physical and cognitive factors on reactive agility performance in men basketball players. J Sports Sci. 2014; 32(4): 367–74.
Lyle MA, Valero-Cuevas FJ, Gregor RJ, Powers CM. Lower extremity dexterity is associated with agility in adolescent soccer athletes. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015; 25(1): 81–8.
Matlák J, Tihanyi J, Rácz L. Relationship Between Reactive Agility and Change of Direction Speed in Amateur Soccer Players. J strength Cond Res. 2016; 30(6): 1547–52.
Young W, Rogers N. Effects of small-sided game and change-of-direction training on reactive agility and change-of-direction speed. J Sports Sci. 2014; 32(4): 307–14.
Sporis G, Jukic I, Milanovic L, Vucetic V. Reliability and factorial validity of Agility Tests for Soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2010; 24(3): 679–86.
Paul DJ, Gabbett TJ, Nassis GP. Agility in Team Sports: Testing, Training and Factors Affecting Performance. Sport Med. 2016; 46(3): 421–42.
If you have any doubt, do not hesitate to leave your comment. If you liked the post, share it on social media!
This article has been made based on the references showed, other studies reviewed but not showed and according to the experience and knowledge of the author. In this way, it may include subjective ideas and opinions not contrasted in the research.
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