Document Type

Student Conference

Semester of Graduation

Spring 2026

Abstract

Collegiate athletes push their bodies to compete at the top level of their sport. Through 5 years, collegiate athletes had 729 ACL tears. To aid in training and the reduction of injury risk, there are several procedures for grading the ability of an athlete to make a cut or change-of direction motion. Through this research project, we defined a procedure for analyzing motion capture video and data of the cutting mechanics of collegiate athletes. This was done to identify which athletes have a higher or lower risk of an ACL injury by comparing knee valgus and other biomechanical indicators on the planting leg. Athletes were assessed through a 0-7-0 m sprint and 180-degree angle cut on each leg connected to a 1080 Sprint and video recorded with OpenCap, which consisted of two cameras 45 degrees from the direction of running. Motion files were then exported to OpenSim, where the cutting mechanics were analyzed according to the CMAS grading system. Indexes of kinematic data, such as velocity and angular velocity of the knee valgus motion, were also incorporated into the final analysis. We have identified the relationship between these indices to the areas of biomechanical concern in each athlete’s individual cutting patterns. This data has also been provided to LSU Athletics Sports Medicine and Athletic Training team consisting of physical therapists, doctors, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and coaches to implement preventative measures to reduce ACL injury.

Awardee Name

Abigail Savoy

Academic Major

Biological Engineering

Project Mentor

Nicholas Totaro

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