Advertisement

Topical Gear device may lower risks to ACL

Data presented in July show Austin, TX-based Topical Gear’s wearable neuromuscular (WNM) device may help reduce anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in young female soccer players.

Investigators from the University of Denver recruited 79 elite youth and collegiate female soccer athletes (aged 12‐25 years) to train with or without Topical’s ACL Tube, which applies bilateral pressure to the medial quadriceps and hamstrings, for seven to nine weeks of preseason training.

Compared with the control group, training with the WNM device significantly lowered peak medial and vertical ground reaction forces; medial-lateral and net center of pressure (COP) velocities; and COP displacements; device wearers also had significantly longer landing phase durations.

The device was associated with significantly improved speed, power, and endurance compared with controls. No athletes sustained an ACL injury during training or during the season.

Researchers presented the results at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) annual meeting in Colorado Springs, CO.

Advertisement