title: Asymmetrical Lower Extremity Loading Early After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is a Significant Predictor of Asymmetrical Loading at the Time of Return to Sport.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine whether asymmetrical lower limb loading early after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (1 mo) can predict asymmetrical lower limb loading at the time of return to sport (6 mos) and whether other early predictors as knee joint range of motion or maximal isometric strength affect this relationship.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ground reaction forces were measured during a sit-to-stand task 1 mo after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and a vertical countermovement jump 6 mos after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 58 athletes. Other early postoperative measurements were knee joint range of motion (2 wks, 1 mo, and 2 mos after surgery) and maximal isometric strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles (2 mos after surgery). Linear regression models were developed using side-to-side limb symmetry index (LSI) of countermovement jump as the dependent variable.
  
  
  RESULTS
  LSI of sit-to-stand task 1 mo after surgery was a significant independent predictor of LSI of countermovement jump 6 mos after surgery. After accounting for deficits in knee joint range of motion and LSI of maximal isometric strength (ΔR² = 0.35, P < 0.01), LSI of sit-to-stand task predicted LSI of countermovement jump (ΔR² = 0.14 P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Asymmetrical lower extremity loading 1 mo after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is an early predictor of asymmetrical lower extremity loading 6 mos after surgery.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Rome (L Labanca, L Laudani, FM, JR, PPM, FP, AM); Villa Stuart Sport Clinic-FIFA Medical Center of Excellence, Rome (JR, PPM, FP, AM); and Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy (AG).
authors.forename: Luciana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Labanca
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Laudani
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Menotti
authors.forename: Jacopo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rocchi
authors.forename: Pier Paolo
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Mariani
authors.forename: Arrigo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giombini
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pigozzi
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Macaluso
mesh_terms: D059549:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D016014:Linear Models; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D000068958:Return to Sport; D055815:Young Adult