Dynamic Assessment Methods for ACL Injury Risk: A Narrative Review With Implications for Prevention and Rehabilitation

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries present significant challenges in athletic populations, particularly among young female athletes who experience elevated risks during critical developmental stages. Effective prevention and rehabilitation require accurate assessment of neuromuscular function. This review explores dynamic jumping assessments across the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) continuum to assess ACL injury risk factors and guide rehabilitation. Specifically, the tuck jump assessment (TJA) is highlighted for its utility to reveal neuromuscular control deficits across repetitive jumping cycles, which are often missed in single-repetition tests. Recent advancements in kinetic analyses of the TJA offer valuable insights into ground reaction forces, interlimb asymmetries, and SSC function, enhancing clinicians' ability to detect potential injury risks and monitor recovery in athletes with ACL reconstruction. Practical applications for incorporating the TJA into ACL injury screening and rehabilitation are discussed, emphasizing its role in progressive return-to-sport protocols. By integrating dynamic assessments like the TJA, clinicians can better identify at-risk athletes and tailor interventions to reduce reinjury rates and improve long-term athletic development outcomes.