A soccer-specific exercise program can help prevent injuries in young female players, says a new study.

The program features strengthening exercises aimed at improving motion patterns, to help reduce strain on the knee joint. The training sessions were integrated into regular soccer practices, and a seminar to increase awareness of injury risk was held for players, team leaders and parents.

Three knee injuries, including one non-contact injury (not involving another player), occurred in girls taking part in the program, compared with 13 knee injuries and 10 non-contact injuries among the players in the control group. Read more at www.nlm.nih.gov