Knee proprioceptive deficits and hamstring-quadriceps (H-Q) strength following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in Thai football athletes

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is the most common injury and has been demonstrated to affect joint position sense (JPS), threshold for detection of passive movement (TDPM) and strength of knee flexor and extensor muscles (H-Q strength).

The purpose of the present study was to examine JPS (at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 degrees) TDPM (starting position at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60), and H-Q concentric and eccentric strength in athletes undergone ACL reconstruction. Thai football athletic participants were divided into two groups: those who had ACL reconstruction (n=8) and healthy athletes (n=8). Knee proprioception and strength were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex system III).

Findings showed no statistically significant difference of JPS between the ACL reconstruction group and the control group. There was also no statistically significantly difference of TDPM measures between groups except at 60 degree of knee flexion and extension directions (p=0.042 and p=0.019). At this ankle position, the control group had better TDPM than the ACL reconstruction group. For the H-Q strength measure, the control group had statistically significantly greater strength than the ACL reconstruction group both concentric and eccentric muscle contractions (p<0.05).

A rehabilitation program is necessary for athletes with ACL reconstruction, in particular, the kinesthesia training in the middle range of knee flexion and extension and strengthening exercise of hamstring and quadriceps.

Key words: ACL reconstruction, Proprioception, Muscle strength