What is one potential impact of hormonal influences on athletes regarding ACL injuries?

The potential impact of hormonal influences on athletes regarding ACL injuries is related to the higher risk of ligament injury. Research has shown that hormonal fluctuations, particularly those associated with the menstrual cycle in female athletes, can affect the properties of ligaments and tendons. For example, changes in estrogen levels may result in increased laxity of the ligaments, which can compromise the stability of the knee joint and make it more susceptible to injuries such as ACL tears.

Estrogens are thought to influence collagen synthesis and degradation in ligaments, thus altered hormonal states may lead to a weakened structural integrity of the ACL. Consequently, athletes facing these hormonal changes could experience a greater risk of sustaining ligament injuries compared to those whose hormone levels are stable. This allows for a better understanding of how hormonal dynamics could play a role in the biomechanics of female athletes and their risk factors for ACL injuries.