Sports and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries

Both contact and noncontact sports can put a high demand on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lead to increased risk for injury. Generally, high-demand sports are those sports that require stop-and-go movements, jumping, or weaving through other players or obstacles.

High-demand sports include:

  • Basketball.
  • Figure skating.
  • Football.
  • Gymnastics.
  • Handball.
  • Ice and field hockey.
  • Lacrosse.
  • Rugby.
  • Skiing.
  • Soccer.
  • Tennis (singles).
  • Volleyball.
  • Wrestling.

Moderate-demand sports include:

  • Baseball.
  • Tennis (doubles).
  • Track (nonjumping field events and hurdles).

Low-demand sports include:

  • Crew.
  • Cycling.
  • Jogging.
  • Swimming.
  • Track (running events).


Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPHLast Updated: May 16, 2008
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Freddie H. Fu, MD - Orthopedic Surgery
Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise