Quadriceps strength and psychological readiness are associated with multiplanar knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

• Published in: Gait & posture 2023-03, Vol.101, p.101-105
• Main Authors: Zhou, Lan, Xu, Yihong, Wang, Siya, Wang, Shaobai, Xu, Weidong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries - psychology; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries - surgery; Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction - psychology; Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Kinematics; Knee Joint - surgery; Muscle Strength; Psychological readiness; Quadricep strength; Quadriceps Muscle - surgery; Return to Sport
• ISSN: 0966-6362; 1879-2219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.02.005

Gait asymmetry, negative psychological factors and quadriceps strength deficits are common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Whether quadriceps strength and psychological factors have impacts on multiplanar knee kinematics remains unclear. What are the relationships of multiplanar knee kinematics during the gait cycle and psychological readiness to quadriceps strength after ACLR? In total, 45 patients were enrolled in this study at 8.3 ± 1.5 months after ACLR. All patients underwent gait analysis and isokinetic testing. Interlimb differences in the range of motion (ROM) and maximum and initial contact (IC) angles in abduction-adduction, flexion-extension, and internal-external rotation were calculated. The limb symmetry index (LSI) for quadriceps strength was calculated. Psychological readiness was measured using the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. The paired t test analyzed the differences between contralateral and affected limbs in quadriceps and hamstrings strength. Pearson or Spearman correlation was used to assess relationships between the variables of interest. Significant differences between contralateral and affected limbs were observed in isokinetic knee quadriceps strength (P