Isokinetic evaluation of quadriceps and hamstrings symmetry following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, isokinetic muscle parameters are commonly measured to assess the dynamic status of the knee and to monitor progress in rehabilitation. This study evaluated the symmetry of the quadriceps and hamstrings musculature in postsurgical and contralateral normal limbs of subjects who had undergone one of two types of ACL reconstruction. Subjects were also evaluated for differences on selected isokinetic parameters between types of surgery and lengths of postoperative periods. Postsurgical and normal contralateral limbs of 46 subjects aged 18 to 49 years (mean, 23.7 years) were divided into groups according to type of autogenous intraarticular ACL substitute and length of postoperative period. Results of paired t-tests and analyses of variance indicated significant asymmetries between limbs for all measures of quadriceps and hamstrings musculature strength and endurance (p less than .001) irrespective of the type of reconstruction technique. Average surgical knee deficits in hamstrings endurance were significantly less for the long-term (41 to 101 months) follow-up group (1.9%) than for the intermediate (24 to 40 months) group (12.1%). The results suggest that extended periods of time are required to approximate hamstrings endurance symmetry after ACL reconstruction. Asymmetries between postsurgical and contralateral normal limbs in these subjects may reflect either incomplete rehabilitation or an inability to regain full isokinetic strength and endurance after ACL reconstruction.
Harter
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Department of Human Performance, San Jose State University, CA 95192-0054.
Osternig
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Standifer
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D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013718:Tensile Strength