Combining motor competence and motor learning strategies helps to reduce the risk of biomechanical factors associated with ACL injury.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the impact of different motor learning strategies on injury-related movement patterns is essential for designing effective ACL injury mitigation programs. This study aimed to compare the effects of three motor learning strategies linear pedagogy (LP), nonlinear pedagogy (NLP), and differential learning (DL) on improving biomechanical indicators related to ACL injury risk in male basketball players with dynamic knee valgus, while considering motor competence (MC) as a moderating factor. METHODS: Ninety male student-athletes (mean age = 19.29 ± 0.93 years) with prior basketball experience and clinically confirmed dynamic knee valgus were categorized into high and low MC groups based on the standardized BOT-2 test. Participants were randomly assigned to six intervention groups (combining training type and MC level). Each group received a single one-hour training session according to their respective instructional method. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected synchronously using an eight-camera motion capture system (120 Hz) in combination with a force plate. Assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test, retention (24 h later), and transfer (48 h later). RESULTS: The results showed that the NLP with high MC improved knee flexion, reduced abduction loads, and lowered GRF, effects retained at 24-48 h. Additionally, individuals with higher MC consistently outperformed their lower-competence peers across all conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the importance of dynamic, interaction-based training design and the need to consider individual MC. Consequently, NLP may be beneficial in corrective and injury-mitigation programs, particularly for athletes with high MC. The observed improvements in joint mechanics indicate a reduced risk of ACL injury, and the findings support the potential use of nonlinear pedagogy in preventive training programs. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: IRCT20250527065941N1 on 14/06/2025.