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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy

Published in:

01-05-2017 | Knee

Do ground reaction forces during unilateral and bilateral movements exhibit compensation strategies following ACL reconstruction?

Authors: Christian Baumgart, Markus Schubert, Matthias W. Hoppe, Alli Gokeler, Jürgen Freiwald

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 5/2017

Abstract

Purpose

The aims of the study were (1) to evaluate the leg asymmetry assessed with ground reaction forces (GRFs) during unilateral and bilateral movements of different knee loads in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed patients and (2) to investigate differences in leg asymmetry depending on the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Form (IKDC) in order to identify potential compensation strategies.

Methods

The knee function of 50 ACL reconstructed (patella tendon) patients was examined at 31 ± 7 months after the surgery. GRFs were quantified during the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit test, the step-up and step-down test, and the two- and one-leg vertical jump. Further, the IKDC score, the anterior–posterior knee laxity, and the concentric torque of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles were evaluated.

Results

Differences between the operated and non-operated leg were found in the knee laxity, the quadriceps torque, and GRFs. The patients with low IKDC scores demonstrated greater leg asymmetries in GRFs compared to the patients with high IKDC scores.

Conclusions

ACL reconstructed patients showed GRF asymmetries during unilateral and bilateral movements of different knee loads. Three compensation strategies were found in patients with low subjective knee function: (1) a reduced eccentric load, (2) an inter-limb compensation during bilateral movements, and (3) the avoidance of high vertical impact forces. These compensation strategies may be indicative of a protective adaptation to avoid excessive ACL strain. GRF measurements are practicable and efficient tools to identify individual compensation strategies during early rehabilitation.

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Title: Do ground reaction forces during unilateral and bilateral movements exhibit compensation strategies following ACL reconstruction?
Authors: Christian Baumgart
Markus Schubert
Matthias W. Hoppe
Alli Gokeler
Jürgen Freiwald
Publication date: 01-05-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3623-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Do ground reaction forces during unilateral and bilateral movements exhibit compensation strategies following ACL reconstruction?

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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