FATORES DE RISCO E MÉTODOS DE PREVENÇÃO DA LESÃO DE LIGAMENTO CRUZADO ANTERIOR EM PRATICANTES DE ESPORTES

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in sports with rapid changes of direction, usually without direct contact, causing long absences, physical and emotional impacts and risk of osteoarthritis. Objective: To analyze the risk factors and prevention methods for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in sports practitioners, based on the evidence available in the scientific literature. Methods: This is a systematic review of the literature, without meta-analysis, in articles published between 2015 and 2025. Results: Ten (10) studies were included, including six (6) randomized clinical trials, one (1) non-randomized trial and three (3) prospective studies. Muscle imbalances, dynamic knee valgus and increased peak force at take-off increase the risk of ACL injury in female athletes. Greater hip flexion reduces this risk, while increased internal knee rotation increases it. Static valgus and genu recurvatum are associated with a higher chance of secondary injuries. Training focused on core, motor control and biofeedback, directed at the hip, improves dynamic control and reduces the knee abduction moment, contributing to the prevention of ACL. Neuromuscular programs generate specific adaptations, with better results in soccer players compared to other sports. Standardized programs, such as FIFA 11+, have demonstrated high efficacy in reducing injuries in high-risk athletes. Conclusion: Preventive programs focused on neuromuscular, core, biofeedback and protocols such as FIFA 11+ reduce the incidence of injuries, when customized according to biomechanical and neuromuscular deficits. Their application contributes both to the prevention of ACL and to improving performance and reducing costs with treatment and rehabilitation.