Which combination lists two intrinsic risk factors and two extrinsic risk factors for lower-limb injuries in sport, along with plausible mitigations?

• A. Intrinsic: muscle imbalance; previous injury. Extrinsic: training load; surface.
• B. Intrinsic: ligament laxity; previous injury. Extrinsic: equipment; weather.
• C. Intrinsic: muscle imbalance; ligament laxity. Extrinsic: training load; equipment.
• D. Intrinsic: previous injury; ligament laxity. Extrinsic: surface; weather.

Answer: (A)

Understanding intrinsic vs extrinsic risk factors helps you target prevention strategies. Intrinsic factors come from the athlete’s own body and past history, influencing how the body moves and tissues handle load. Extrinsic factors come from the environment, equipment, or external conditions that can alter exposure and mechanics.

Two intrinsic factors are muscle imbalance and previous injury. Muscle imbalance creates uneven forces across joints, changing movement patterns and increasing the likelihood of strain or joint injury. A history of injury often leaves tissue weaker or movement patterns altered, raising the risk of reinjury if the return-to-sport progression isn’t properly managed.

Two extrinsic factors are training load and surface. Training load describes how much and how quickly the athlete increases activity; excessive or rapid loading leads to fatigue, poorer technique, and higher injury risk. Surface affects how forces are transmitted and how the body can grip and absorb impact; inappropriate or inconsistent surfaces can raise exposure to acute or overuse injuries.

Plausible mitigations align with these factors: address intrinsic risks through targeted rehabilitation, balance training, and neuromuscular conditioning to correct imbalances and restore safe movement after injury; implement graduated return-to-play protocols and ongoing strength/proprioception work to reduce reinjury risk. For extrinsic risks, manage training load with periodization and monitoring of fatigue; ensure appropriate surface and footwear, adjust training conditions to safer environments, and maintain surfaces to reduce hazard.

That combination—intrinsic factors like muscle imbalance and prior injury, plus extrinsic factors like training load and surface—fits best with how injuries typically develop and how prevention can be effectively applied.