10/16/2025
Hip Mobility: The Key to Knee Injury Prevention in Athletes
Athletes rely on powerful, coordinated lower body movement for peak performance and injury resilience. Research shows that hip mobility and strength are critical for protecting the knee from injury, especially in sports involving running, jumping, and rapid changes of direction. When hip muscles—particularly the abductors and rotators—are weak or inflexible, abnormal movement patterns can develop. These patterns increase stress on the knee, raising the risk of injuries such as ACL tears and patellofemoral pain.
Biomechanical studies demonstrate that impaired hip control can alter knee alignment and loading during athletic tasks. This is especially important for female athletes, who may be more susceptible to hip-related influences on knee mechanics. Interventions that target hip strength and dynamic control—like neuromuscular training and hip-focused exercise programs—are recommended to reduce knee injury risk and improve performance.[1]
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that team physicians and athletic trainers include hip abductor strengthening and flexibility exercises in conditioning programs for injury prevention. Screening for hip strength and movement quality, and tailoring training to address individual imbalances, are essential steps in keeping athletes healthy and on the field.[2]
In summary, optimizing hip mobility and strength is a cornerstone of effective knee injury prevention for athletes. Incorporating hip-focused exercises into training routines can improve lower limb alignment, enhance performance, and reduce the likelihood of serious knee injuries.
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References
1. Powers CM. The Influence of Abnormal Hip Mechanics on Knee Injury: A Biomechanical Perspective. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(2):42-51. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3337.
2. American College of Sports Medicine. Selected Issues in Injury and Illness Prevention and the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016;48(1):159-71. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000827.
