Comparison the Effect Plyometric Exercises with and without Stretching Exercises on Dynamic Knee Valgus, Flexibility and Functional Factors on Female Elite Taekwondo Athletes Exposed to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

The prevalence of sports injuries in martial arts is high. Most Taekwondo injuries also occur in the lower extremities. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of a period of plyometric exercises, with and without stretching exercises, on knee valgus dynamics, flexibility and functional variables of elite female taekwondo athletes at risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.  45 elite female taekwondo athletes aged 15-25 years with anterior cruciate ligament injuries participated in this study. Knee valgus dynamics in squat movement were measured with KINOVEA software. Flexibility was measured with direct leg lift test and performance indicators were measured with Y-balance, three-step jump and error scoring system. The tests were conducted before and after eight weeks of plyometric exercises, along with the stretching exercises. Then, the data obtained were analyzed.There was a significant difference between the results of pre-test and post-test data measured in the two experimental groups (P ≥ 0.05). According to the stark differences based on the analyzed data, it is clearly evident that the group of athletes with plyometric exercises with stretching have obtained far superior results and outcome..Plyometric exercises with stretching had a significant effect on reducing the risk of injury, as well as increasing the flexibility and performance of elite female taekwondo athletes exposed to anterior cruciate ligament injury. Considering the vast improvements reported for the plyometric training group with stretching, it is recommended that these interventions be used to reduce the risk of injury and increase the performance of taekwondo practitioners.