Special warm-up prevents knee injury: U.S report

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A specially designed warm-up program can help female athletes prevent a common knee injury, U.S. researchers reported on Friday. Women who completed the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance, or PEP, program were 1.7 times less likely to have anterior cruciate ligament injuries, the researchers reported. The program, a rigorous series of running, jumps and stretches, is neuromuscular and aimed at strengthening the muscles and ligaments in and around the knee. "This study shows tremendous promise for female collegiate soccer players, especially those with a history of ACL injuries," Dr. Julie Gilchrist of the Centers for Disease Control's Injury Center, who led the study, said in a statement. "Enjoying sports is a great way to stay fit. And to stay healthy, we encourage coaches, athletic trainers, and... [read full story]