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Abstract

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 12, 2025. This case study was intended to analyze the impact of a knee injury prevention program (KIPP) for a young female athlete in a short recreational softball season. It was hypothesized that initiating a KIPP early within a recreational sports season would positively alter lower extremity biomechanics, subsequently reducing the risk of knee injuries during and after skeletal development. During a recreational softball season, a 13-year-old female athlete completed a preliminary biomechanical test, the drop vertical jump battery (DVJBpre), underwent a 7-week in-season KIPP, then was follow-up tested at season’s end (DVJBpost1) and again approximately one year later (DVJBpost2). Performance was recorded using a motion capture system and the biomechanical test battery consisted of three double-leg drop vertical jumps (DVJ) from two landing heights (30 and 50 cm). At testpost1 immediately following the 7-week recreational season, the athlete demonstrated greater maximal hip flexion and decreased maximal ankle dorsiflexion bilaterally from both heights. She also demonstrated greater ankle inversion bilaterally from both heights and greater maximum right knee valgus from 50 cm. The athlete then started high school and participated in varsity volleyball, basketball, and track and field while also participating in a regular general strength and conditioning program. At testpost2, the athlete demonstrated improved hip flexion, and right knee valgus improved to within normal limits with neutral knee positioning. This case demonstrated that a 7-week KIPP during a recreational softball season did influence positive hip and ankle mechanical changes during landing from both heights, but negatively influenced the right knee from the greater height during testing immediately following the season and program; however, this change was mitigated within the first year. These findings suggest that young athletes in the midst of significant growth and motor development changes may not respond predictably to training protocols commonly suggested for older athletes, however, negative responses may be transient and can be altered through a well-rounded sports and training experience

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