SPORTS FITNESS OF ACTIVE HANDBALL AND SOC CER PLAYERS WITH ANTERIOR KNEE-JOINT INSTABILITY

Based on an epidemiological study of 582 active handball and soccer pl ayers the abilities and limitations were analysed for sports activitie s of 24 athletes with an ACL-deficient knee. 22 of the 24 athletes suf fered from a straight anterior instability. 50% attempted to avoid cut ting mechanisms. The level of motivation was better than in the whole population. Handball players could continue their sports better and lo nger than soccer players. However, 19 athletes had to be classified as ''knee-abusers'' because they continued their sports inspite of havin g complaints. If athletic participation following ligament injuries of the knee should be rated, an accurate quantification and qualificatio n is imperative.