title: A dynamic test of lower extremity function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and rehabilitation.
abstract: It is essential to assess the functional status of patients with surgically reconstructed and rehabilitated anterior cruciate ligaments prior to discharge. This study established a testing paradigm for functional force production and absorption. Data were obtained from 100 healthy subjects for maximal hops, controlled leaps, and hopping and leaping symmetry. Only 10% of symptomatic patients met maximal hopping criteria, while 15% achieved controlled leaping norms. Ninety-five percent of these patients failed to reach both hopping and leaping symmetry norms. Asymptomatic patients were 63% successful in meeting hopping criteria, and 57% were successful in meeting leaping criteria. Hop symmetry and leap symmetry were achieved at rates of 70% and 60%, respectively. The performance of both groups fell significantly below that of normal subjects (p < .05). Data suggest that this protocol does accurately assess functional and dysfunctional knees, and that force absorption may be more critical than force production in the determination of functional capacity.
authors.affiliation: Dallas Mavericks Basketball Club, TX., USA.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Juris
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dalpe
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Gotlin
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kane
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*