A groundbreaking study published in February 2025 has confirmed what we’ve long advocated at Injury Prevention Project: implementing structured injury prevention programs (IPPs) doesn’t just protect athletes—it creates massive economic benefits for our healthcare system.

The research, focusing on high school soccer players nationwide, found that injury prevention programs generate a remarkable $7.51 return on investment for every dollar spent on implementation. When simulated across all U.S. high school soccer players for a single season, prevention programs created a net monetary benefit exceeding $60 million in avoided ACL treatment costs alone.

Perhaps most eye-opening is the scale of potential savings. The study calculated total IPP implementation costs at just over $10 million nationally, while preventing an estimated $76.5 million in combined public and private medical costs. These figures represent real opportunities for schools, athletic programs, and healthcare systems to allocate resources more efficiently.

The study also highlights the stark contrast between prevention and rehabilitation costs. While the researchers conservatively estimated ACL rehabilitation at $1,760 (based on 20 physical therapy sessions at $88 each), our comprehensive prevention program costs just $35—less than a single therapy session. This makes our approach not only effective but remarkably accessible.

For families navigating the increasingly expensive world of youth sports, these numbers matter. An ACL tear doesn’t just end seasons; it creates significant financial strain, even with insurance coverage. Prevention programs offer a practical solution that protects both athletic futures and family finances.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting our mission at Injury Prevention Project. By making research-backed prevention accessible to all athletes, we’re not just preventing injuries—we’re contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system and keeping more athletes in the sports they love.