The effect of perturbation training with and without applying the dry needling on leg muscles in patients with chronic ankle sprain

INTRODUCTION

Ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal injury that leads to recurrent instability. Repeated ankle sprain can be a mechanism for creating trigger point. Proper treatment of trigger points, in addition to preventing recurrence of sprains, may reduce pain and improve muscle function. This improvement can be the result of preserving the surrounding tissues from excessive pressure.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the added value of dry needling into perturbation training protocol for chronic ankle sprain.

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial; assessor-blind; before and after comparison.

SETTING

Treatment of patients referred to the institutional rehabilitation clinics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Functional assessment with FAAM questionnaire score, Pain with NPRS scale, ankle instability severity with Cumberland tool.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with chronic ankle instability participated in this clinical trial and were randomly divided into two groups. Intervention was 12 sessions in which one group received only perturbation training and the other group received perturbation training along with dry needling. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate the effect of treatment.

RESULTS

Data Analysis showed significant difference in NPRS and FAAM and Cumberland score before and after treatment in each group (P < 0.001). Comparison of the results between the groups did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that adding dry needling technique to the perturbation training does not have greater effects on the pain and function of patients with chronic ankle instability.

Management after acute injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), part 2: management of the ACL-injured patient

PURPOSE

The aim of this consensus project was to create a treatment algorithm for the management of the ACL-injured patient which can serve as an aid in a shared decision-making process.

METHODS

For this consensus process, a steering and a rating group were formed. In an initial face-to-face meeting, the steering group, together with the expert group, formed various key topic complexes for which various questions were formulated. For each key topic, a structured literature search was performed by the steering group. The results of the literature review were sent to the rating group with the option to give anonymous comments until a final consensus voting was performed. Sufficient consensus was defined as 80% agreement.

RESULTS

During this consensus process, 15 key questions were identified. The literature search for each key question resulted in 24 final statements. Of these 24 final statements, all achieved consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus process has shown that ACL rupture is a complex injury, and the outcome depends to a large extent on the frequently concomitant injuries (meniscus and/or cartilage damage). These additional injuries as well as various patient-specific factors should play a role in the treatment decision. The present treatment algorithm represents a decision aid within the framework of a shared decision-making process for the ACL-injured patient.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Always Pay Attention to Which Model of Motor Learning You Are Using

This critical review considers the epistemological and historical background of the theoretical construct of motor learning for a more differentiated understanding. More than simply reflecting critically on the models that are used to solve problems-whether they are applied in therapy, physical education, or training practice-this review seeks to respond constructively to the recent discussion caused by the replication crisis in life sciences. To this end, an in-depth review of contemporary motor learning approaches is provided, with a pragmatism-oriented clarification of the researcher's intentions on fundamentals (what?), subjects (for whom?), time intervals (when?), and purpose (for what?). The complexity in which the processes of movement acquisition, learning, and refinement take place removes their predictable and linear character and therefore, from an applied point of view, invites a great deal of caution when trying to make generalization claims. Particularly when we attempt to understand and study these phenomena in unpredictable and dynamic contexts, it is recommended that scientists and practitioners seek to better understand the central role that the individual and their situatedness plays in the system. In this way, we will be closer to making a meaningful and authentic contribution to the advancement of knowledge, and not merely for the sake of renaming inventions.

Interval Kicking Program for the Punting and Place-Kicking Athlete: A Systematic Literature Review and Need Analysis

Interval programs have been developed for multiple sports, allowing athletes to return to sport-specific activity in a graded fashion, minimizing the risk of reinjury. However, there currently exists a gap in the literature surrounding the use of interval programs for the rehabilitation of punting and place-kicking athletes. We aim to perform a systematic review of the literature examining the use of interval kicking programs to aid punting and place-kicking athletes following a lower-extremity injury. Following PRISMA guidelines, a review was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE databases to evaluate the literature surrounding interval kicking programs for punting and place-kicking athletes. Search terms were combined using Boolean operators of "AND" and "OR". Articles included in this review met these criteria: 1) included patients with lower-extremity pain/injury, 2) reported a return to sport progressive program, and 3) analyzed the measure's ability to predict a successful return to sport. The initial search returned 115 articles. Seventy-nine of these articles were excluded after initial screening, leaving 36 full-text articles for final review. Of these final articles, there were no studies outlining the use of interval kicking programs by punting or place-kicking athletes. Of the articles reviewed, the most relevant was an interval kicking program developed by Arundale et al. specifically for the soccer athlete. Punting and place-kicking use biomechanically distinct patterns of movement, warranting a specific interval program. This review identified a gap in knowledge surrounding the use of interval programs in the rehabilitation of punting and place-kicking athletes. This review will now describe what is currently known regarding biomechanics of punting and place kicking, the injuries experienced by these athletes, and the benefit an individualized interval program could provide. There currently exists a gap in the literature surrounding the use of interval programs for the rehabilitation of punting and place-kicking athletes. The biomechanics and application of these skills are distinct, and an interval program designed specifically for these athletes is warranted. Future research should be dedicated to the development, implementation, and analysis of an interval kicking program designed for these athletes.

The effectiveness of preoperative exercise programmes on quadriceps strength prior to and following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative exercise programmes on quadriceps strength prior to and following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

a systematic review was undertaken, included studies were evaluated using the Modified Downs and Black checklist which is appropriate for determining the quality of randomised and non-randomised studies. Scientific databases searched included PubMED, EBSCO Health, CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to March 2021.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. There were six randomised studies and four prospective studies. The level of evidence is categorised as 'limited' due to heterogenicity and only six studies reported quadriceps strength increases. Five studies demonstrated preoperative exercise of 4-16 weeks duration can significantly increase preoperative quadriceps strength. One study demonstrated preoperative OKC exercise produced significantly stronger preoperative quadriceps compared to CKC exercise. One study showed no between group (intervention vs control) quadriceps strength difference pre or 12 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

4-16 weeks of preoperative exercise could increase quadriceps strength preoperatively but any persistent postoperative strength benefit from undertaking a standardised preoperative intervention is unclear. There is considerable variation and methodological limitations across the included studies and the composition of optimal preoperative ACLR exercise is currently unknown.

Readiness for return to sport in non-surgically treated patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury following a public municipal rehabilitation program

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the proportion of patients that pass a return to sport (RTS) test battery and assess changes in patient-reported outcomes and lower extremity muscle strength following three months of exericse-based rehabilitation in non-surgically treated patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Clinical environment (public municipal).

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-nine ACL injured patients (54% female, median age (IQR) 28 years (24-35).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale, single hop for distance, crossover hop for distance, side hop test, the Agility T-test, and quadriceps and hamstrings isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC).

RESULTS

Following 3 months of rehabilitation, patients had statistically significant improvements in all patients-reported outcomes and in quadriceps and hamstring MVC. Of 28 patients who completed all RTS tests, 11% passed six RTS criteria, 14% five criteria, 11% four criteria, 4% three criteria, 18% two criteria, 21% one criterion, and 21% none of the criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that three months of public municipal rehabilitation improves patient-reported outcomes and lower extremity muscle strength in non-surgically treated patients with ACL injury. However, only one in every 10 patients passed all RTS criteria.

Effects of variable frequencies of kinesthesia, balance and agility exercise program in adults with knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common painful and disabling condition that affects older individuals. Proprioceptive training programs in the form of kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) exercises have been reported to be beneficial for individuals with knee OA. However, the most optimal training dosage of KBA exercises is still unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of different frequencies of KBA training (i.e., twice-weekly or thrice-weekly) in adults with knee OA.

Methods

A single (assessor) blind, three-arm parallel, multi-center randomized controlled trial will be conducted. One hundred twenty adults with knee OA will be recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria and randomly assigned into one of three intervention groups; twice-weekly KBA (n = 40), thrice-weekly KBA (n = 40), and conventional physiotherapy (n = 40) in the ratio of 1:1:1. Participants in the conventional physiotherapy group will receive two sessions of brief patient education, and sixteen sessions of ultrasound therapy, and stretching and strengthening exercises for 8 weeks. Participants in the two different KBA groups will receive KBA training according to the designed sessions for 8 weeks in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program. All groups will be assessed pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and at 3 months, 4 months, and 6 months post-randomization. The primary outcome will be physical function (Ibadan Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure) whereas the secondary outcomes will be pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale for pain), knee stability (Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale), proprioception (electronic goniometer), and quality of life (Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life Questionnaire).

Discussion

The findings of this study may provide evidence on the effectiveness of KBA exercise training and the ideal number of sessions needed to achieve the highest effectiveness in adults with knee OA.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR201810713260138). Registered on 28 November 2017.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05386-3.

Optimising the 'Mid-Stage' Training and Testing Process After ACL Reconstruction

Outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction need improving, with poor return-to-sport rates and high risk of secondary re-injury. There is a need to improve rehabilitation strategies after ACL reconstruction, if we can support enhanced patient outcomes. This paper discusses how to optimise the mid-stage rehabilitation process after ACL reconstruction. Mid-stage is a difficult and vitally important stage of the functional recovery process and provides the foundation on which to commence late-stage rehabilitation training. Often many aspects of mid-stage rehabilitation (e.g. knee extensors isolated muscle strength) are not actually restored prior to return-to-sport. In addition, if we are to allow time for optimal late-stage rehabilitation and return-to-sport training, we need to optimise the mid-stage rehabilitation approach and complete it in a timely manner. This paper forms a key part of a strategy to optimise the ACL rehabilitation approach and considers factors more specific to mid-stage rehabilitation characterised in 3 areas: (1) muscle strength: muscle and joint specific, in particular at the knee level, with the knee extensors and flexors and distally with the triceps surae and proximally with the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, as well as closed kinetic chain strength; (2) altered basic motor patterning (movement quality) and (3) fitness re-conditioning. In addition, the paper provides recommendations on how to implement these into practice, discussing training planning and programming and suggests specific screening to monitor work and when the athlete is able to progress to the next stage (e.g. late-stage rehabilitation criteria).

Treatment after anterior cruciate ligament injury: Panther Symposium ACL Treatment Consensus Group

Treatment strategies for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries continue to evolve. Evidence supporting best practice guidelines for the management of ACL injury is to a large extent based on studies with low-level evidence. An international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance towards consensus opinions regarding the best available evidence on operative versus non-operative treatment for ACL injury.The purpose of this study was to report the consensus statements on operative versus non-operative treatment of ACL injuries developed at the ACL Consensus Meeting Panther Symposium 2019. Sixty-six international experts on the management of ACL injuries, representing 18 countries, convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Proposed consensus statements were drafted by the Scientific Organising Committee and Session Chairs for the three working groups. Panel participants reviewed preliminary statements prior to the meeting and provided initial agreement and comments on the statement via online survey. During the meeting, discussion and debate occurred for each statement, after which a final vote was then held. Eighty per cent agreement was defined a priori as consensus. A total of 11 of 13 statements on operative veresus non-operative treatment of ACL injury reached consensus during the symposium. Nine statements achieved unanimous support; two reached strong consensus; one did not achieve consensus; and one was removed due to redundancy in the information provided.In highly active patients engaged in jumping, cutting and pivoting sports, early anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is recommended due to the high risk of secondary meniscus and cartilage injuries with delayed surgery, although a period of progressive rehabilitation to resolve impairments and improve neuromuscular function is recommended. For patients who seek to return to straight plane activities, non-operative treatment with structured, progressive rehabilitation is an acceptable treatment option. However, with persistent functional instability or when episodes of giving way occur, anatomical ACLR is indicated. The consensus statements derived from international leaders in the field will assist clinicians in deciding between operative and non-operative treatment with patients after an ACL injury.Level of evidence: V.

A Secondary Injury Prevention Program May Decrease Contralateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Athletes: 2-Year Injury Rates in the ACL-SPORTS Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the addition of perturbation training to a secondary injury prevention program reduces the rate of second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury compared to the prevention program alone.

DESIGN

Single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Thirty-nine female athletes who intended to return to cutting/pivoting sports were enrolled 3 to 9 months after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Athletes were randomized to receive a training program of either progressive strengthening, agility, plyometrics, and prevention (SAPP) (n = 20) or SAPP plus perturbation training (n = 19); each had 10 sessions over 5 weeks. Occurrence and side of second ACL injury were recorded for 2 years after primary ACLR.

RESULTS

There were 9 second ACL injuries in the 2 years after ACLR. There was no statistically significant difference in rate or side of second ACL injury between the SAPP-plus-perturbation training and SAPP groups.

CONCLUSION

Adding perturbation training to a secondary ACL injury prevention program did not affect the rate of second ACL injury in female athletes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(9):523-530. Epub 1 Aug 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9407.

Treatment after ACL injury: Panther Symposium ACL Treatment Consensus Group

Treatment strategies for ACL injuries continue to evolve. Evidence supporting best practice guidelines to manage ACL injury is largely based on studies with low-level evidence. An international consensus group of experts was convened determine consensus regarding best available evidence on operative versus non-operative treatment for ACL injury. The purpose of this study is to report the consensus statements on operative versus non-operative treatment of ACL injuries developed at the ACL Consensus Meeting Panther Symposium 2019. Sixty-six international experts on the management of ACL injuries, representing 18 countries, convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Proposed consensus statements were drafted by the Scientific Organising Committee and Session Chairs. Panel participants reviewed preliminary statements prior to the meeting and provided initial agreement and comments on the statement via online survey. During the meeting, discussion and debate occurred for each statement, after which a final vote was then held. Eighty per cent agreement was defined a priori as consensus. A total of 11 of 13 statements on operative versus non-operative treatment of ACL injury reached consensus during the Symposium. Nine statements achieved unanimous support, two reached strong consensus, one did not achieve consensus, and one was removed due to redundancy in the information provided. In highly active patients engaged in jumping, cutting and pivoting sports, early anatomical ACL reconstruction is recommended due to the high risk of secondary meniscus and cartilage injuries with delayed surgery, although a period of progressive rehabilitation to resolve impairments and improve neuromuscular function is recommended. For patients who seek to return to straight plane activities, non-operative treatment with structured, progressive rehabilitation is an acceptable treatment option. However, with persistent functional instability, or when episodes of giving way occur, anatomical ACL reconstruction is indicated. The consensus statements derived from international leaders in the field may assist clinicians in deciding between operative and non-operative treatment with patients after an ACL injury. Level of evidence: Level V

Treatment After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Panther Symposium ACL Treatment Consensus Group

Treatment strategies for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries continue to evolve. Evidence supporting best-practice guidelines for the management of ACL injury is to a large extent based on studies with low-level evidence. An international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions regarding the best available evidence on operative versus nonoperative treatment for ACL injury. The purpose of this study was to report the consensus statements on operative versus nonoperative treatment of ACL injuries developed at the ACL Consensus Meeting Panther Symposium 2019. There were 66 international experts on the management of ACL injuries, representing 18 countries, who were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Proposed consensus statements were drafted by the scientific organizing committee and session chairs for the 3 working groups. Panel participants reviewed preliminary statements before the meeting and provided initial agreement and comments on the statement via online survey. During the meeting, discussion and debate occurred for each statement, after which a final vote was then held. Ultimately, 80% agreement was defined a priori as consensus. A total of 11 of 13 statements on operative versus nonoperative treatment of ACL injury reached consensus during the symposium. Overall, 9 statements achieved unanimous support, 2 reached strong consensus, 1 did not achieve consensus, and 1 was removed because of redundancy in the information provided. In highly active patients engaged in jumping, cutting, and pivoting sports, early anatomic ACL reconstruction is recommended because of the high risk of secondary meniscal and cartilage injuries with delayed surgery, although a period of progressive rehabilitation to resolve impairments and improve neuromuscular function is recommended. For patients who seek to return to straight-plane activities, nonoperative treatment with structured, progressive rehabilitation is an acceptable treatment option. However, with persistent functional instability, or when episodes of giving way occur, anatomic ACL reconstruction is indicated. The consensus statements derived from international leaders in the field will assist clinicians in deciding between operative and nonoperative treatment with patients after an ACL injury.

Treatment after anterior cruciate ligament injury: Panther Symposium ACL Treatment Consensus Group

Treatment strategies for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries continue to evolve. Evidence supporting best practice guidelines for the management of ACL injury is to a large extent based on studies with low-level evidence. An international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions regarding the best available evidence on operative vs. non-operative treatment for ACL injury. The purpose of this study is to report the consensus statements on operative vs. non-operative treatment of ACL injuries developed at the ACL Consensus Meeting Panther Symposium 2019. Sixty-six international experts on the management of ACL injuries, representing 18 countries, were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Proposed consensus statements were drafted by the Scientific Organizing Committee and Session Chairs for the three working groups. Panel participants reviewed preliminary statements prior to the meeting and provided the initial agreement and comments on the statement via an online survey. During the meeting, discussion and debate occurred for each statement, after which a final vote was then held. Eighty percent agreement was defined a-priori as consensus. A total of 11 of 13 statements on operative v. non-operative treatment of ACL injury reached the consensus during the Symposium. Nine statements achieved unanimous support, two reached strong consensus, one did not achieve consensus, and one was removed due to redundancy in the information provided. In highly active patients engaged in jumping, cutting, and pivoting sports, early anatomic ACL reconstruction is recommended due to the high risk of secondary meniscus and cartilage injuries with delayed surgery, although a period of progressive rehabilitation to resolve impairments and improve neuromuscular function is recommended. For patients who seek to return to straight plane activities, non-operative treatment with structured, progressive rehabilitation is an acceptable treatment option. However, with persistent functional instability, or when episodes of giving way occur, anatomic ACL reconstruction is indicated. The consensus statements derived from international leaders in the field will assist clinicians in deciding between operative and non-operative treatments with patients after an ACL injury.Level of evidence V.

Clinical and Biomechanical Efficacies of Mechanical Perturbation Training After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

CONTEXT

Manual perturbation training improves knee functional performance and mitigates abnormal gait in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. However, manual perturbation training is time- and labor-intensive for therapists.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether perturbation training administered using a mechanical device can provide effects similar to manual training on clinical measures and knee biomechanics after ACL rupture.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort (therapeutic) study. A 2 × 2 analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis.

SETTING

A clinical and biomechanical laboratory.

PATIENTS

Eighteen level I/II patients with acute ACL ruptures participated in this preliminary study.

INTERVENTION

Nine patients received mechanical perturbation training on an automated mechanical device (mechanical group), and 9 patients received manual perturbation training (manual group).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients completed performance-based testing (quadriceps strength and single-legged hop tests), patient-reported questionnaires (Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale, Global Rating Score, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000), and 3-dimensional gait analysis before (pretesting) and after (posttesting) training.

RESULTS

There was no significant group-by-time interaction found for all measures (P ≥ .18). Main effects of time were found for International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 (pretesting: 69.10 [10.95], posttesting: 75.14 [7.19]), knee excursion during weight-acceptance (pretesting: 16.01° [3.99°]; posttesting: 17.28° [3.99°]) and midstance (pretesting: 14.78° [4.13°]; posttesting: 16.92° [4.53°]) and external knee-flexion moment (pretesting: 0.43 [0.11] N m/kg/m; posttesting: 0.48 [0.11] N m/kg/m) (P ≤ .04). After accounting for pretesting groups' differences, the mechanical group scored significantly higher on triple hops (mechanical: 96.73% [6.65%]; manual: 84.97% [6.83%]) and 6-m timed hops (mechanical: 102.07% [9.50%]; manual: 91.21 [9.42%]) (P ≤ .047) compared with manual group.

CONCLUSION

The clinical significance of this study is the mechanical perturbation training produced effects similar to manual training, with both training methods were equally  effective at improving patients' perception of knee function and increasing knee excursion and external flexion moment during walking after acute ACL rupture. Mechanical perturbation training is a potential treatment to improve patients' functional and biomechanical outcomes after ACL rupture.

Gait Mechanics in Women of the ACL-SPORTS Randomized Control Trial: Interlimb Symmetry Improves Over Time Regardless of Treatment Group

Women after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are more likely than men to exhibit asymmetric movement patterns, which are associated with post-traumatic osteoarthritis. We developed the ACL specialized post-operative return-to-sports (ACL-SPORTS) randomized control trial to test the effect of strength, agility, plyometric, and secondary prevention (SAPP) training with and without perturbation training (SAPP + PERT) on gait mechanics in women after ACLR. We hypothesized that movement symmetry would improve over time across both groups but more so among the SAPP + PERT group. Thirty-nine female athletes 3-9 months after primary ACLR were randomized to SAPP or SAPP + PERT training. Biomechanical testing during overground walking occurred before (Pre-training) and after (Post-training) training and one and 2 years post-operatively. Hip and knee kinematic and kinetic variables were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni corrections for post hoc comparisons (α = 0.05). There was a time by limb interaction effect (p = 0.028) for peak knee flexion angle (PKFA), the primary outcome which powered the study, characterized by smaller PKFA in the involved compared to uninvolved limbs across treatment groups at Pre-training, Post-training, and 1 year, but not 2 years. Similar findings occurred across sagittal plane knee excursions and kinetics and hip extension excursion at midstance. There were no meaningful interactions involving group. Neither SAPP nor SAPP + PERT training improved walking mechanics, which persisted 1 but not 2 years after ACLR. Statement of clinical significance: Asymmetrical movement patterns persisted long after participants achieved symmetrical strength and functional performance, suggesting more time is needed to recover fully after ACLR. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1743-1753, 2019.

Superior 2-Year Functional Outcomes Among Young Female Athletes After ACL Reconstruction in 10 Return-to-Sport Training Sessions: Comparison of ACL-SPORTS Randomized Controlled Trial With Delaware-Oslo and MOON Cohorts

Background:

Outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are not uniformly good and are worse among young female athletes. Developing better rehabilitation and return-to-sport training programs and evaluating their outcomes are essential.

Purpose:

(1) Test the effect of strength, agility, plyometric, and secondary prevention (SAPP) exercises with and without perturbation training (SAPP + PERT) on strength, hops, function, activity levels, and return-to-sport rates in young female athletes 1 and 2 years after ACLR and (2) compare 2-year functional outcomes and activity levels among young female athletes in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Specialized Post-Operative Return-to-Sports (ACL-SPORTS) trial to homogeneous cohorts who completed criterion-based postoperative rehabilitation alone (Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network [MOON]) and in combination with extended preoperative rehabilitation (Delaware-Oslo).

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial, Level of evidence, 1; and cohort study, Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 40 level 1 and level 2 female athletes were enrolled after postoperative impairment resolution 3 to 9 months after primary ACLR. Participants were randomized to 10 SAPP or SAPP + PERT sessions and were tested 1 and 2 years after ACLR on quadriceps strength, hop tests, functional outcomes, and return-to-sport rates. Participants were then compared with homogeneous cohorts of young (<25 years) female athletes who completed criterion-based postoperative rehabilitation alone (MOON) and in combination with extended preoperative rehabilitation (Delaware-Oslo) on 2-year functional outcomes.

Results:

No significant or meaningful differences were found between SAPP and SAPP + PERT, so groups were collapsed for comparison with the other cohorts. At 2-year follow-up, ACL-SPORTS had the highest scores (P < .01) on the Marx activity rating scale (ACL-SPORTS, 13.5 ± 3.3; Delaware-Oslo, 12.5 ± 2.7; MOON, 10.6 ± 5.1); International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (96 ± 7, 92 ± 9, and 84 ± 14, respectively); and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales for Pain (98 ± 4, 94 ± 9, and 90 ± 10, respectively), Symptoms (94 ± 6, 90 ± 9, and 83 ± 14, respectively), Activities of Daily Living (100 ± 1, 99 ± 4, and 96 ± 7, respectively), Sports and Recreation (94 ± 8, 86 ± 15, and 82 ± 17, respectively), and Quality of Life (89 ± 14, 78 ± 18, and 76 ± 19, respectively). The Patient Acceptable Symptom State threshold on the KOOS–Sports and Recreation was achieved by 100% of the ACL-SPORTS cohort compared with 90% of Delaware-Oslo and 78% of MOON (P = .011).

Conclusion:

Although perturbation training provided no added benefit, 10 sessions of return-to-sport training, compared with criterion-based postoperative rehabilitation alone, yielded statistically significant and clinically meaningfully higher 2-year functional outcomes among young, high-level female athletes after ACLR.

Registration:

NCT01773317 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Hamstring Muscle Activity After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction-A Protective Mechanism in Those Who Do Not Sustain a Secondary Injury? A Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND

Individuals who experience a subsequent ipsilateral anterior cruci (cruciate)ate ligament (ACL) reinjury may use hazardous muscle activation strategies after primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to compare electromyograms (EMGs) of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles during a dynamic hopping task among individuals with a single ACL injury (ACLx1), individuals who went on to have secondary ipsilateral ACL injury (ACLx2), and individuals who have never sustained an ACL injury (ACLx0).

HYPOTHESIS

We expected that individuals who went on to experience a secondary ACL injury would use less quadriceps muscle activity as compared with individuals who experienced a single ACL injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHODS

Fourteen individuals that were returned to play post-ACLR and 7 non-ACL-injured individuals participated. Individuals who had undergone an ACLR were placed into groups depending on whether they had experienced a secondary ipsilateral ACL reinjury postprimary ACLR. EMG data of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and lateral gastrocnemius were measured during 2 phases of a single-leg dynamic hopping task: preactivity (100 ms prior to ground contact) and reactivity (250 ms post-ground contact). Processed EMG data were compared across groups using 1-way analyses of variance, with post hoc independent t tests where appropriate (P ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

At preactivity, ACLx1 (0.48% ± 0.2%max) was found to use significantly more hamstring activity than ACLx2 (0.20% ± 0.1%max, P = 0.018), but not than ACLx0 (0.38% ± 0.1%max, P > 0.05). At reactivity, both ACL groups were found to use less quadriceps activity than ACLx0 (ACLx1: 0.38% ± 0.1%max, P = 0.016; ACLx2: 0.40% ± 0.1%max, P = 0.033; ACLx0: 0.58% ± 0.1%max), but not than each other (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Quadriceps muscle activity during landing was diminished in all ACL participants as compared with participants who had never sustained an ACL injury. Individuals who did not experience a secondary ipsilateral ACL reinjury (ACLx1) used greater levels of hamstring activity prior to landing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The higher hamstring activity in patients who did not experience a secondary injury may be interpreted as a protective mechanism that is used to dynamically stabilize the reconstructed limb.

Biomechanical Deficits at the Hip in Athletes With ACL Reconstruction Are Ameliorated With Neuromuscular Training

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of a neuromuscular training (NMT) program to ameliorate known hip biomechanical risk factors for athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is currently unknown. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to quantify the effects of an NMT program on hip biomechanics among athletes with ACLR and to compare posttraining hip biomechanics with a control group. The hypotheses were that known hip biomechanical risk factors of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury would be significantly reduced among athletes with ACLR after the NMT program and that posttraining hip biomechanics between the ACLR and control cohorts would not differ.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Twenty-eight athletes (n = 18, ACLR; n = 10, uninjured) completed a 12-session NMT program. Biomechanical evaluation of a jump-landing task was done before and after completion of the program. Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to understand the effect of NMT within the ACLR cohort. Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare both groups. Post hoc testing was done for significant interactions. Hip biomechanical variables at initial contact are reported.

RESULTS

The athletes with ACLR who completed the NMT program had a significant session × limb interaction ( P = .01) for hip external rotation moment and a significant main effect of session for hip flexion angle ( P = .049) and moment ( P < .001). There was a significant change for the involved ( P = .04; 528% increase) and uninvolved ( P = .04; 57% decrease) limbs from pre- to posttraining for hip rotation moment. The ACLR cohort had an increase in hip flexion angle (14% change) and a decrease in hip flexion moment (65% change) from pre- to posttraining. Posttraining comparison for these same hip biomechanical variables of interest revealed no significant interactions ( P > .05) between the ACLR and control cohorts. There was a significant main effect of group ( P = .02) for hip flexion angle, as the ACLR cohort demonstrated greater hip flexion angle than that of the control group.

CONCLUSION

For athletes with ACLR, hip biomechanical measures of ACL injury risk show significant improvements after completion of an NMT program.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Athletes with ACLR who are participating in an NMT program may ameliorate known hip biomechanical risk factors for an ACL injury.

Gait mechanics and tibiofemoral loading in men of the ACL-SPORTS randomized control trial

The risk for post-traumatic osteoarthritis is elevated after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and may be especially high among individuals with aberrant walking mechanics, such as medial tibiofemoral joint underloading 6 months postoperatively. Rehabilitation training programs have been proposed as one strategy to address aberrant gait mechanics. We developed the anterior cruciate ligament specialized post-operative return-to-sports (ACL-SPORTS) randomized control trial to test the effect of 10 post-operative training sessions consisting of strength, agility, plyometric, and secondary prevention exercises (SAPP) or SAPP plus perturbation (SAPP + PERT) training on gait mechanics after ACLR. A total of 40 male athletes (age 23 ± 7 years) after primary ACLR were randomized to SAPP or SAPP + PERT training and tested at three distinct, post-operative time points: 1) after impairment resolution (Pre-training); 2) following 10 training sessions (Post-training); and 3) 2 years after ACLR. Knee kinematic and kinetic variables as well as muscle and joint contact forces were calculated via inverse dynamics and a validated electromyography-informed musculoskeletal model. There were no significant improvements from Pre-training to Post-training in either intervention group. Smaller peak knee flexion angles, extension moments, extensor muscle forces, medial compartment contact forces, and tibiofemoral contact forces were present across group and time, however the magnitude of interlimb differences were generally smaller and likely not meaningful 2 years postoperatively. Neither SAPP nor SAPP + PERT training appears effective at altering gait mechanics in men in the short-term; however, meaningful gait asymmetries mostly resolved between post-training and 2 years after ACLR regardless of intervention group. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2364-2372, 2018.

Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Adults Aged >40 Years

Management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in adults aged >40 years has received increased attention in the literature because of an increase in the functional demands of aging athletes. Multiple structural and biomechanical age-dependent changes exist in the ACL, for example, fewer mesenchymal stem cells, decreased healing potential, decreased structural organization, decreased stiffness, and a decreased load to failure with age. As in younger patients, ACL insufficiency can predispose an older patient to the same risks of recurrent instability, meniscal and chondral injury, and osteoarthritis. The role of nonsurgical versus surgical management in these patients remains controversial. Lower-demand patients may be able to cope with ACL deficiency. Higher-demand patients may have functional instability, and the limited studies available suggest good functional outcomes with surgical reconstruction of the ACL in this population.

Neuromuscular and Kinematic Adaptation in Response to Reactive Balance Training - a Randomized Controlled Study Regarding Fall Prevention

Slips and stumbles are main causes of falls and result in serious injuries. Balance training is widely applied for preventing falls across the lifespan. Subdivided into two main intervention types, biomechanical characteristics differ amongst balance interventions tailored to counteract falls: conventional balance training (CBT) referring to a balance task with a static ledger pivoting around the ankle joint versus reactive balance training (RBT) using externally applied perturbations to deteriorate body equilibrium. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of reactive, slip-simulating RBT compared to CBT in regard to fall prevention and to detect neuromuscular and kinematic dependencies. In a randomized controlled trial, 38 participants were randomly allocated either to CBT or RBT. To simulate stumbling scenarios, postural responses were assessed to posterior translations in gait and stance perturbation before and after 4 weeks of training. Surface electromyography during short- (SLR), medium- (MLR), and long-latency response of shank and thigh muscles as well as ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics (amplitudes and velocities) were recorded. Both training modalities revealed reduced angular velocity in the ankle joint (P < 0.05) accompanied by increased shank muscle activity in SLR (P < 0.05) during marching in place perturbation. During stance perturbation and marching in place perturbation, hip angular velocity was decreased after RBT (P from TTEST, P_t < 0.05) accompanied by enhanced thigh muscle activity (SLR, MLR) after both trainings (P < 0.05). Effect sizes were larger for the RBT-group during stance perturbation. Thus, both interventions revealed modified stabilization strategies for reactive balance recovery after surface translations. Characterized by enhanced reflex activity in the leg muscles antagonizing the surface translations, balance training is associated with improved neuromuscular timing and accuracy being relevant for postural control. This may result in more efficient segmental stabilization during fall risk situations, independent of the intervention modality. More pronounced modulations and higher effect sizes after RBT in stance perturbation point toward specificity of training adaptations, with an emphasis on the proximal body segment for RBT. Outcomes underline the benefits of balance training with a clear distinction between RBT and CBT being relevant for training application over the lifespan.

Outcomes after bone grafting in patients with and without ACL revision surgery: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Current literature is lacking of data regarding functional outcomes in patients following bone tunnel grafting with or without revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcome in patients with (RACL) or without revision ACL reconstruction (OBG) following bone grafting.

METHODS

Fifty-nine patients (18 female, 41 male) who underwent bone grafting due to recurrent, symptomatic ACL deficiency following ACL reconstruction between 2011 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. In 44 patients (mean age: 30,5 ± 8,5 years) a staged revision ACL reconstruction (RACL) was performed after bone grafting. 10 patients (mean age: 33.2 ± 10.3 years) refused to have ACL revision surgery after bone grafting (OBG). Outcome measures included instrumented laxity testing, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale.

RESULTS

After mean period of 33,9 ± 17.0 months, 54 patients were available for follow up examination. In the RACL group, the Lysholm score was 77,2 ± 15,5 (range 35-100), the mean IKDC subjective knee score was 69,0 ± 13,4 (range 39,1-97,7) and the mean Tegner activity score was 4,1 ± 1,5 (range, 1-9). Similarly, in the OBG group the mean Lysholm score was 72,90 ± 18,7 (range 50-100), the mean IKDC subjective score was 69,3 ± 20,0 (range 44,1-100) and the mean Tegner activity score was 4,6 ± 1,2 (range, 3-6). No significant difference was observed between the two groups. Knee laxity measurements were elevated without revision ACL surgery, however the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Bone tunnel grafting with or without second stage ACL revision surgery showed no significant difference in functional outcome score. Thus, in case of revision ACL instability careful patient selection is necessary and expectations should be discussed openly with the patients.

Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improve Functional and Radiographic Outcomes Over Nonoperative Management 5 Years After Injury?

BACKGROUND

Current practice patterns for the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury favor surgical reconstruction. However, long-term outcomes may not differ between patients completing operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injury. Differences in outcomes between operative and nonoperative treatment of patients in the United States is largely unknown, as are outcomes in long-term strength and performance measures.

PURPOSE

To determine if differences exist in 5-year functional and radiographic outcomes between patients completing operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injury when both groups complete a progressive criterion-based rehabilitation protocol.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

From an original group of 144 athletes, 105 participants (mean ± SD age, 34.3 ± 11.4 years) with an acute ACL rupture completed functional testing (quadriceps strength, single-legged hop, and knee joint effusion testing; patient-reported outcomes) and knee radiographs 5 years after ACL reconstruction or completion of nonoperative rehabilitation.

RESULTS

At 5 years, patients treated with ACL reconstruction versus rehabilitation alone did not differ in quadriceps strength ( P = .817); performance on single-legged hop tests ( P = .234-.955); activity level ( P = .349-.400); subjective reports of pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, and knee-related quality of life ( P = .090-.941); or presence of knee osteoarthritis ( P = .102-.978). When compared with patients treated nonoperatively, patients treated operatively did report greater global ratings of knee function ( P = .001), and lower fear ( P = .035) at 5 years but were more likely to possess knee joint effusion ( P = .016).

CONCLUSION

The current findings indicate that favorable outcomes can occur after both operative and nonoperative management approaches with the use of progressive criterion-based rehabilitation. Further study is needed to determine clinical algorithms for identifying the best candidates for surgical versus nonoperative care after ACL injury. These findings provide an opportunity to improve the educational process between patients and clinicians regarding the expected clinical course and long-term outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injuries.

Comparing the effects of mechanical perturbation training with a compliant surface and manual perturbation training on joints kinematics after ACL-rupture

INTRODUCTION

Performing physical activities on a compliant surface alters joint kinematics and increases joints stiffness. However, the effect of compliant surface on joint kinematics after ACL-rupture is yet unknown.

AIM

To compare the effects of mechanical perturbation training with a compliant surface to manual perturbation training on joint kinematics after ACL-rupture.

METHODS

Sixteen level I/II athletes with ACL-rupture participated in this preliminary study. Eight patients received mechanical perturbation with compliant surface (Mechanical) and 8 patients received manual perturbation training (Manual). Patients completed standard gait analysis before (Pre) and after (Post) training.

RESULTS

Significant group-by-time interactions were found for knee flexion angle at initial contact (IC) and peak knee flexion (PKF) (p<0.004), with manual group significantly increased knee flexion angle at IC and PKF (p<0.03). Main effects of group were found for hip flexion angle at IC (Manual:34.34+3.51°, Mechanical:27.68+4.08°, p = 0.011), hip rotation angle at PKE (Manual:-3.40+4.78°, Mechanical:5.43+4.78°, p < 0.0001), and knee adduction angle at PKE (Manual:-2.00+2.23°, Mechanical:0.55+2.23°, p = 0.039). Main effects of time were found for hip adduction angle at PKE (Pre:6.98+4.48°, Post:8.41+4.91°, p = 0.04), knee adduction angle at IC (Pre:-2.90+3.50°, Post:-0.62+2.58°, p = 0.03), ankle adduction angle at IC (Pre:2.16+3.54, Post:3.8+3.68, p = 0.008), and ankle flexion angle at PKF (Pre:-4.55+2.77°, Post:-2.39+3.48°, p = 0.01).

DISCUSSION

Training on a compliant surface induces different effects on joint kinematics compared to manual perturbation training after ACL-rupture. Manual perturbation improved hip alignment and increased knee flexion angles, while mechanical training decreased knee flexion angles throughout the stance phase. Administering training on a compliant surface after ACL-rupture may help improving dynamic knee stability, however, long-term effects on knee health needs to be determined.

Functional and Patient-Reported Outcomes Improve Over the Course of Rehabilitation: A Secondary Analysis of the ACL-SPORTS Trial

BACKGROUND

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Specialized Post-Operative Return to Sports (ACL-SPORTS) randomized controlled trial was designed to address deficits in functional and patient-reported outcomes. The trial examined the effects of a secondary ACL prevention program that included progressive strengthening, agility training, plyometrics (SAP), and other components of current primary prevention protocols, with perturbation training (SAP + PERT group) and without PERT (SAP group). A secondary purpose of this study was to examine whether study outcomes differed between men and women.

HYPOTHESES

(1) Athletes in both the SAP and SAP + PERT groups will have improved knee function and patient-reported outcome measures from pre- to posttraining, (2) the SAP + PERT group would have higher outcome scores than the SAP group, and (3) outcomes will differ by sex.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial (NCT01773317).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

METHODS

A total of 79 athletes (39 women) were randomized into the SAP and SAP + PERT groups. All athletes had undergone primary ACL reconstruction and achieved 80% quadriceps strength limb symmetry (QI), full range of motion, had minimal effusion, and had no pain. Additionally, all had begun running again. Prior to and after the training program, athletes' QI, hopping, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to determine whether there were differences between groups. Subsequently, the SAP and SAP + PERT groups were collapsed to analyze differences between sexes.

RESULTS

There were significant increases for all variables, with the exception of QI. There were no differences between the SAP and SAP + PERT groups. Both men and women made significant improvements in all knee function and patient-reported outcome measures except QI. Men made significant improvements in QI, whereas women did not.

CONCLUSION

The common elements of the training program that all athletes received (10 sessions of progressive strengthening, agility training, plyometrics, and secondary prevention) may be a beneficial addition to the return-to-sport phase of ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. The results suggest that women may require further quadriceps strengthening to maintain and improve QI, an important focus given the relationship between QI and risk for reinjury.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

During the return-to-sport phase of ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, clinicians tend to shift their focus away from strengthening toward more advanced sports-related tasks. These results indicate that women in particular need continued focus on quadriceps strengthening.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury-Who Succeeds Without Reconstructive Surgery? The Delaware-Oslo ACL Cohort Study

Background

More than 50% of highly active patients with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury who choose nonsurgical treatment (active rehabilitation alone) have successful 2-year outcomes and comparable knee function to an uninjured population. Early predictive factors for a successful outcome may aid treatment decision making in this population.

Purpose

To identify early predictors of a successful 2-year outcome in those who choose nonsurgical treatment of an ACL injury.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

This prospective cohort study consisted of ACL-injured athletes who were consecutively screened for inclusion. A total of 300 patients were included from 2 sites (Oslo, Norway, and Delaware, USA), and the 118 patients who initially chose not to undergo ACL reconstruction were included. All patients participated in pivoting sports before the injury, and none had significant concomitant injuries. A successful 2-year outcome was defined as having 2-year International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores ≥15th normative percentile and not undergoing ACL reconstruction. Multivariable logistic regression models were built using demographic and knee function data (quadriceps muscle strength, 4 single-leg hop tests, IKDC score, and Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale [KOS-ADLS] score) collected at baseline or after a 5-week neuromuscular and strength training (NMST) rehabilitation program.

Results

After 2 years, 52 of 97 (53.6%) patients had a successful outcome. In the multivariable baseline model, older age, female sex, better performance on the single-leg hop test, and a higher KOS-ADLS score were significantly associated with successful 2-year outcomes. After the 5-week NMST rehabilitation program, older age, female sex, and a higher IKDC score increased the odds of a successful 2-year outcome. The 2 models had comparable predictive accuracy (post-NMST area under the curve [AUC], 0.78 [95% CI, 0.68-0.88]; baseline AUC, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.72-0.89]).

Conclusion

Clinicians and patients can be more confident in a nonsurgical treatment choice (active rehabilitation alone) in athletes who are female, are older in age, and have good knee function, as measured by single-leg hop tests and patient-reported outcome measures, early after an ACL injury. Prediction models that include measures of knee function, assessed either before or after rehabilitation, can estimate 2-year prognoses for nonsurgical treatment and thereby assist shared treatment decision making.

No difference between mechanical perturbation training with compliant surface and manual perturbation training on knee functional performance after ACL rupture

Manual perturbation training improves dynamic knee stability and functional performance after anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL-rupture). However, it is limited to static standing position and does not allow time-specific perturbations at different phase of functional activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether administering mechanical perturbation training including compliant surface provides effects similar to manual perturbation training on knee functional measures after an acute ACL-rupture. Sixteen level I/II athletes with ACL-ruptures participated in this preliminary study. Eight patients received mechanical (Mechanical) and eight subjects received manual perturbation training (Manual). All patients completed a functional testing (isometric quadriceps strength, single-legged hop tests) and patient-reported measures (Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS), Global Rating Score (GRS), International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 (IKDC 2000) at pre- and post-training. 2 × 2 ANOVA was used for data analysis. No significant group-by-time interactions were found for all measures (p > 0.18). Main effects of time were found for single hop (Pre-testing: 85.14% ± 21.07; Post-testing: 92.49% ± 17.55), triple hop (Pre-testing: 84.64% ± 14.17; Post-testing: 96.64% ± 11.14), KOS-ADLS (Pre-testing: 81.13% ± 11.12; Post-testing: 88.63% ± 12.63), GRS (Pre-testing: 68.63% ± 15.73; Post-testing: 78.81% ± 13.85), and IKDC 2000 (Pre-testing: 66.66% ± 9.85; Post-testing: 76.05% ± 14.62) (p < 0.032). Administering mechanical perturbation training using compliant surfaces induce effects similar to manual perturbation training on knee functional performance after acute ACL-rupture. The clinical significance is both modes of training improve patients' functional-performance and limb-to-limb movement symmetry, and enhancing the patients' self-reported of knee functional measures after ACL rupture. Mechanical perturbation that provides a compliant surface might be utilized as part of the ACL rehabilitation training. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1391-1397, 2018.

Report of the Primary Outcomes for Gait Mechanics in Men of the ACL-SPORTS Trial: Secondary Prevention With and Without Perturbation Training Does Not Restore Gait Symmetry in Men 1 or 2 Years After ACL Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Movement asymmetries during walking are common after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction and may influence the early development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Preoperative neuromuscular training (like perturbation training, which is neuromuscular training requiring selective muscle activation in response to surface perturbations) improves gait asymmetries and functional outcomes among people who are ACL-deficient, but the effect of postoperative perturbation training on gait mechanics after ACL reconstruction is unknown.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Among men undergoing ACL reconstruction, we sought to compare strength, agility, and secondary prevention (SAP) treatment with SAP plus perturbation training (SAP+PERT) with respect to (1) gait mechanics; and (2) elimination of gait asymmetries 1 and 2 years after ACL reconstruction.

METHODS

Forty men were randomized into a SAP group or a SAP+PERT group after ACL reconstruction and before returning to preinjury activities. Participants were required to achieve ≥ 80% quadriceps muscle strength symmetry, minimal knee effusion, full ROM, no reports of pain, and completion of a running progression (all between 3 and 9 months postoperatively) before enrollment. Of 94 potentially eligible athletic male patients evaluated < 9 months after ACL reconstruction, 54 were excluded for prespecified reasons. Participants underwent motion analysis during overground walking at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Variables of interest included (1) sagittal and frontal plane hip and knee angles and moments at peak knee flexion angle; (2) sagittal plane hip and knee angles and moments at peak knee extension angle; (3) sagittal plane hip and knee excursion during weight acceptance; and (4) sagittal plane hip and knee excursion during midstance. We also calculated the proportion of athletes in each group who walked with clinically meaningful interlimb asymmetry in sagittal plane hip and knee variables and compared these proportions using odds ratios. There was no differential loss to followup between groups.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the SAP or SAP+PERT groups for the biomechanical gait variables. The involved limb's knee excursion during midstance for the SAP (mean ± SD: 1 year: 15° ± 5°; 2 years: 16° ± 5°) and SAP+PERT (1 year: 16° ± 5°; 2 years: 15° ± 4°) athletes was not different between groups at 1 year (mean difference: -1°; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5° to 2°; p = 0.49) or 2 years (mean difference: 1°; 95% CI, -2° to 4°; p = 0.54). There were no differences between SAP and SAP+PERT athletes regarding the elimination of gait asymmetries, and gait asymmetries persisted to a large degree in both groups 1 and 2 years postoperatively. At 1 year, 11 of 18 SAP and 11 of 20 SAP+PERT athletes walked with truncated knee excursions during weight acceptance (odds ratio: 0.8, p = 0.70) and midstance (SAP 12 of 18, SAP+PERT 12 of 20; odds ratio: 0.8, p = 0.67), whereas at 2 years postoperatively, truncated knee excursions during weight acceptance (SAP seven of 17, SAP+PERT eight of 19; odds ratio: 1.0, p = 0.96) and midstance (SAP five of 17, SAP+PERT 11 of 19; odds ratio: 3.3, p = 0.09) remained prevalent.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that a comprehensive, progressive return-to-sport training program with or without perturbation was not effective at restoring interlimb symmetry among men 1 or 2 years after ACL reconstruction. Although gait asymmetries improved from 1 to 2 years postoperatively, meaningful asymmetries persisted in both groups. To restore gait symmetry after ACL reconstruction, additional interventions likely are necessary.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study.

Report of the Clinical and Functional Primary Outcomes in Men of the ACL-SPORTS Trial: Similar Outcomes in Men Receiving Secondary Prevention With and Without Perturbation Training 1 and 2 Years After ACL Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Athletes often are cleared to return to activities 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; however, knee function measures continue to improve up to 2 years after surgery. Interventions beyond standard care may facilitate successful return to preinjury activities and improve functional outcomes. Perturbation training has been used in nonoperative ACL injury and preoperative ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, but has not been examined in postoperative ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, specifically return to sport rehabilitation.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were differences at 1 and 2 years after ACL reconstruction between the male SAP (strengthening, agility, and secondary prevention) and SAP+PERT (SAP protocol with the addition of perturbation training) groups with respect to (1) quadriceps strength and single-legged hop limb symmetry; (2) patient-reported knee outcome scores; (3) the proportion who achieve self-reported normal knee function; and (4) the time from surgery to passing return to sport criteria.

METHODS

Forty men who had completed ACL reconstruction rehabilitation and met enrollment criteria (3-9 months after ACL reconstruction, > 80% quadriceps strength limb symmetry, no pain, full ROM, minimal effusion) were randomized into the SAP or SAP+PERT groups of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Specialised Post-Operative Return to Sports trial (ACL-SPORTS), a single-blind randomized clinical study of secondary prevention and return to sport. Quadriceps strength, single-legged hopping, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 subjective knee form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-sports and recreation, and KOOS-quality-of-life subscales were collected 1 and 2 years after surgery by investigators blind to group. Athletes were categorized as having normal or abnormal knee function at each time point based on IKDC score, and the time until athletes passed strict return-to-sport criteria was also recorded. T-tests, chi square tests, and analyses of variance were used to identify differences between the treatment groups over time.

RESULTS

There were no differences between groups for quadriceps symmetry (1 year: SAP = 101% ± 14%, SAP+PERT = 101% ± 14%; 2 years: SAP = 103% ± 11%, SAP+PERT = 98% ± 14%; mean differences between groups at 1 year: 0.4 [-9.0 to 9.8], 2 years = 4.5 [-4.3 to 13.1]; mean difference between 1 and 2 years: SAP = -1.0 [-8.6 to 6.6], SAP+PERT = 3.0 [-4.3 to 10.3], p = 0.45) or single-legged hop test limb symmetry. There were no clinically meaningful differences for any patient-reported outcome measures. There was no difference in the proportion of athletes in each group who achieved normal knee function at 1 year (SAP 14 of 19, SAP+PERT 18 of 20, odds ratio 0.31 [0.5-19.0]; p = 0.18); however, the SAP+PERT group had fewer athletes with normal knee function at 2 years (SAP 17 of 17, SAP+PERT 14 of 19, p = 0.03). There were no differences between groups in the time to pass return to sport criteria (SAP = 325 ± 199 days, SAP+PERT = 233 ± 77 days; mean difference 92 [-9 to 192], p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized trial found few differences between an ACL rehabilitation program consisting of strengthening, agility, and secondary prevention and one consisting of those elements as well as perturbation training. In the absence of clinically meaningful differences between groups in knee function and self-reported outcomes measures, the results indicate that perturbation training may not contribute additional benefit to the strengthening, agility, and secondary prevention base of the ACL-SPORTS training program.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study.

Functional performance 6 months after ACL reconstruction can predict return to participation in the same preinjury activity level 12 and 24 months after surgery

BACKGROUND

Assessing athletes' readiness is a key component for successful outcomes after ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether return-to-activity criteria, individually or in combination, at 6 months after ACLR can predict return to participation in the same preinjury activity level at 12 and 24 months after ACLR.

METHODS

Ninety-five level I/II participants completed return-to-activity criteria testing (isometric quadriceps index, single-legged hop tests, Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) and Global Rating Score (GRS)) at 6 months after ACLR. The PASS group was defined as scoring >90% on all criteria and the FAIL group as scoring <90% on any criteria. At 12 and 24 months after ACLR, participants were asked if they had returned to participate in the same preinjury activity level or not. All return-to-activity criteria, except quadriceps index, were entered into the logistic regression model.

RESULTS

81% and 84.4% of the PASS group returned to participation in the same preinjury activity level, while only 44.2% and 46.4% of the FAIL group returned at 12 and 24 months, respectively, after ACLR. The 6-meter timed hop, single hop and triple hop limb symmetry indexes; GRS; and KOS-ADLS individually predicted the outcome of interest at 12 months after ACLR (range: R²: 0.12-0.22, p<0.024). In combination, they explained 27% of the variance (p=0.035). All hop tests, individually, predicted the outcome of interest at 24 months after ACLR (range: R²: 0.26-0.37; p<0.007); in combination they explained 45% of the variance (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Return to participation in the same preinjury activity level at 12 and 24 months after ACLR was higher in those who passed the criteria compared with those who failed. Individual and combined return-to-activity criteria predicted the outcomes of interest, with the hop tests as consistent predictors at 12 and 24 months after ACLR.

Non-operative Care of the Patient with an ACL-Deficient Knee

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide an update to the most objective, evidence-based path through a non-operative course of rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament injury for those hoping to return to pivoting and cutting sports.

RECENT FINDINGS

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent in pivoting and cutting athletes with many of these patients electing to pursue surgical reconstruction in hopes of returning to prior levels of function. Despite many athletes pursing ACL reconstruction, some may elect to pursue a non-operative course of care. Success with this treatment plan should be defined as the ability to return to sport without subsequent giving way episodes. Identification of those most likely to successfully return to sport with a non-operative course begins with completion of an evidence-based screening tool. If the patient has no concomitant injury and successfully passes the screening, they may proceed to a systematic, evidence-based progression through rehabilitation. Finally, the patient must complete a return to sport program and meet appropriate objective criteria, prior to return to sport.

Rehabilitation of distal radioulnar joint instability

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instabilities are common and often combined with other injuries of the interosseous membrane and/or the proximal radioulnar joint. Once they are diagnosed and the treatment is chosen, physiotherapists have limited choices due to the lack of validated protocols. The benefits of proprioception and neuromuscular rehabilitation have been brought to light for the shoulder, knee and ankle joints, among others. However, no program has been described for the DRUJ. The purpose of this article is to study the muscular elements responsible for active DRUJ stability, and to propose a proprioceptive rehabilitation program suited to this condition.

Symptoms of Knee Instability as Risk Factors for Recurrent Falls

OBJECTIVE

Whether knee instability contributes to the increased risk of falls and fractures observed in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA) has not been studied. We examined the association of knee buckling with the risk of falling and fall-related consequences in older adults with, or at high risk for, knee OA.

METHODS

At the 60-month visit of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, men and women ages 55-84 years were asked about knee buckling in the past 3 months and whether they fell when a knee buckled. Falls and fall-related injuries in the past 12 months and balance confidence were assessed at 60 and 84 months. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association of knee buckling with falls and their consequences.

RESULTS

A total of 1,842 subjects (59% women, mean ± SD age 66.9 ± 7.8 years, and body mass index 30.3 ± 5.7) were included. At 60 months 16.8% reported buckling and at 84 months 14.1% had recurrent (≥2) falls. Bucklers at 60 months had a 1.6- to 2.5-fold greater odds of recurrent falls, fear of falling, and poor balance confidence at 84 months. Those who fell when a knee buckled at baseline had a 4.5-fold, 2-fold, and 3-fold increased odds 2 years later of recurrent falls, significant fall injuries, and fall injuries that limited activity, respectively, and were 4 times more likely to have poor balance confidence.

CONCLUSION

Interventions that reduce knee buckling may help prevent falls, fall-related injuries, and adverse psychological consequences of falls in persons with knee OA.

Visual Utilization During Postural Control in Anterior Cruciate Ligament- Deficient and -Reconstructed Patients: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether anterior cruciate ligament-deficient (ACL-D) individuals and individuals with a reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL-R) rely more heavily on visual information to maintain postural control.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from their earliest available date to May 24, 2016, using a combination of keywords.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles were included if they reported any instrumented static single-leg balance outcome in both a patient and control sample. The means and SDs of these outcomes must have been reported with both eyes open and eyes closed.

DATA EXTRACTION

Sample sizes, means, and SDs of single-leg balance measures for each group's eyes open and eyes closed testing conditions were extracted. The methodological quality of included studies was independently evaluated by multiple authors using an adapted version of the Quality Index.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Effect sizes were calculated by dividing the differences in change between eyes closed and eyes open in the ACL-D and control group and the ACL-R and control group by the pooled SD from the eyes closed trials for each analysis. Significant differences between the ACL-D and control group (effect size, -1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.90 to -.41) were noted. The ACL-R and control group were not different (effect size, -.61; 95% CI, -2.17 to .95).

CONCLUSIONS

ACL-D individuals but not individuals with ACL-R demonstrate a greater reliance on visual information during single-leg stance compared with healthy individuals.

On-Ice Return-to-Hockey Progression After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Synopsis The literature pertaining to the rehabilitation of ice hockey players seeking to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is currently limited. The purpose of this clinical commentary was to present a criterion-based progression for return to ice hockey for athletes after ACLR. First, we review pertinent literature and provide previously published guidelines on general rehabilitation after ACLR. Then, we present a 4-phase, on-ice skating progression with objective criteria to initiate each phase. During the early on-ice phase, the athlete is reintroduced to specific demands, including graded exposure to forward, backward, and crossover skating. In the intermediate on-ice phase, the emphasis shifts to developing power and introducing anticipated changes of direction within a controlled environment. During the late on-ice phase, the focus progresses to developing anaerobic endurance and introducing unanticipated changes of direction, but still without other players or contact. Finally, once objective return-to-sport criteria are met, noncontact team drills, outnumbered and even-numbered drills, practices, scrimmages, and games are progressively reintroduced during the return-to-sport phase. Recommendations for off-ice strength and conditioning exercises complement the on-ice progression. Additionally, we apply the return-to-hockey progression framework to a case report of a female collegiate defensive ice hockey player who returned to sport successfully after ACLR. This criterion-based return-to-hockey progression may guide rehabilitation specialists managing athletes returning to ice hockey after ACLR. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(5):324-333. Epub 29 Mar 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7245.

Impaired voluntary quadriceps force control following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: relationship with knee function

PURPOSE

Impairments in quadriceps force control and altered quadriceps and hamstring muscle activation strategies have been observed following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; however, the functional implications of these impairments are unclear. This study examined the cross-sectional associations between quadriceps force control, quadriceps activation, hamstring coactivation and clinically assessed knee function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a hamstring graft.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients (18 ± 3 months following surgery) and 41 uninjured individuals participated. Quadriceps force control was assessed using an isometric knee extension task. Participants cyclically increased and decreased quadriceps force at slow speeds between 5 and 30 % maximum voluntary isometric contraction matching a moving target displayed on a screen. Quadriceps activation and hamstring coactivation were assessed concurrently using surface electromyography. Knee function was assessed with the Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale and three single-leg hop tests.

RESULTS

The reconstructed group completed the task with 48 % greater root-mean-square error (RMSE), indicating significantly worse quadriceps force control (p < 0.001). In a multivariable model adjusted for sex, greater RMSE and greater lateral hamstring coactivation were significantly associated with worse knee function that is greater odds of scoring <85 % on one or more knee functional assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Less-accurate quadriceps force output and greater hamstring coactivation are associated with worse knee joint function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and may contribute to irregular knee joint loading and the onset or progression of knee osteoarthritis. Impairments in quadriceps force control and altered muscle activation strategies may be modifiable through neuromuscular training, and this is an area for future research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case-control study, Level III.

Rehabilitation Principles of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Knee: Twelve Steps for Successful Progression and Return to Play

The rehabilitation process begins immediately after injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The goal of preoperative rehabilitation is to prepare the patient for surgery. Current rehabilitation programs focus on strengthening exercises and proprioceptive and neuromuscular control drills to provide a neurologic stimulus. It is also important to address preexisting factors, especially for the female athlete, that may predispose to future injury, such as hip and hamstring weakness. Our goal in the rehabilitation program is to restore full, unrestricted function and to assist the patient to return to 100% of the preinjury level while achieving excellent long-term outcomes.

Gait abnormalities in patients with chronic ankle instability can improve following a non-invasive biomechanical therapy: a retrospective analysis

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in gait patterns and clinical outcomes of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) following treatment with a home-based non-invasive biomechanical device. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three patients with CAI were compared with 43 healthy controls. Patients underwent a spatiotemporal gait assessment before and three months following treatment. Clinical evaluation was recorded with SF-36 Health Survey and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). [Results] Significant baseline differences were found between groups. Patients with CAI showed a statistically significant improvement in velocity, cadence, symptomatic limb step length and single limb support over time. Significant improvements in SF-36 PCS and FAOS outcome scores were found in patients with CAI. [Conclusion] Patients with CAI have baseline spatiotemporal gait abnormalities as compared with healthy controls. However, clinical and gait metrics improvement can be expected after 12 weeks of perturbation training using a non-invasive biomechanical device.

Do Patients Failing Return-to-Activity Criteria at 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Continue Demonstrating Deficits at 2 Years?

BACKGROUND

The variability in outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) might be related to the criteria that are used to determine athletes' readiness to return to their preinjury activity level. A battery of return-to-activity criteria (RTAC) that emphasize normal knee function and movement symmetry has been instituted to quantitatively determine athletes' readiness to return to preinjury activities.

PURPOSE

To investigate performance-based and patient-reported measures at 12 and 24 months after ACLR between patients who passed or failed RTAC at 6 months after ACLR.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients who had participated in International Knee Documentation Committee level 1 or 2 sports activities completed RTAC testing at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The RTAC included the isometric quadriceps strength index (QI), 4 single-legged hop tests, the Knee Outcome Survey-activities of daily living subscale (KOS-ADLS), and the global rating scale of perceived function (GRS). Patients who scored ≥90% on all RTAC were classified as the pass group, and those who scored <90% on any RTAC were classified as the fail group. At 12- and 24-month follow-ups, patients were asked if they had returned to the same preinjury activity level.

RESULTS

At the 6-month follow-up, there were 48 patients in the pass group and 47 in the fail group. At the 12-month follow-up, 31 patients (73.8%) from the pass group and 15 patients (39.5%) from the fail group passed RTAC, and at the 24-month follow-up, 25 patients (75.8%) from the pass group and 14 patients (51.9%) from the fail group passed RTAC. The rate of return to activities in the pass group was 81% and 84% at 12 and 24 months after ACLR, respectively, compared with only 44% and 46% in the fail group ( P ≤ .012), respectively; however, some patients in the fail group participated in preinjury activities without being cleared by their therapists. At 12 and 24 months, 60.5% and 48.1% of patients continued to fail again on the criteria, respectively. A statistically significant group × time interaction was found for the single hop and 6-m timed hop limb symmetry indices (LSIs) ( P ≤ .037), with only the fail group demonstrating a significant improvement over time. A main effect of group was detected for the QI and the crossover hop and triple hop LSIs ( P < .01), with patients in the pass group demonstrating higher performance. A main effect of time was detected for the crossover hop and triple hop LSIs and the GRS, with improvements seen in both groups ( P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Patients who passed the RTAC early after ACLR were more likely to demonstrate normal knee function and movement symmetry at 12 and 24 months postoperatively, while patients who failed the RTAC early were more likely to demonstrate impaired knee function and movement asymmetry at 12- and 24-month follow-ups. Patients in the pass group had a higher rate of return to their preinjury activity level compared with those in the fail group. A group of patients chose to return to their preinjury activities, even though they were functionally not ready.

Rehabilitation strategies for wrist sensorimotor control impairment: From theory to practice

This clinical review discusses the organization, neuroanatomy, assessment, clinical relevance, and rehabilitation of sensorimotor (SM) control impairment after wrist trauma. The wrist SM control system encompasses complex SM pathways that control normal wrist active range of motion and mediate wrist joint neuromuscular stability for maintaining joint function. Among various known assessment methods of wrist SM control impairment, the active wrist joint position sense test is determined to be a clinically meaningful and responsive measure for wrist SM control impairment after wrist fracture. Wrist trauma may involve significant soft tissue injury (ie, skin, ligament, muscle), which could disrupt the generation and transmission of adequate proprioceptive input from wrist mechanoreceptors, thus leading to significant joint SM impairment. Various clinical examples of wrist trauma (eg, distal radius fracture, scapholunate joint injury) along with known prognostic factors (eg, pain) that may influence wrist SM control impairment recovery are discussed to illustrate this point. This article proposes promising rehabilitation strategies toward restoring wrist joint conscious and unconscious SM control impairments, integrating current research evidence with clinical practice. These strategies require more rigorous evaluation in clinical trials.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Do rocker-sole shoes influence postural stability in chronic low back pain? A randomised trial

Background

People with chronic low back pain (CLBP) demonstrate greater postural instability compared with asymptomatic individuals. Rocker-sole shoes are inherently unstable and may serve as an effective balance training device. This study hypothesised that wearing rocker-sole shoes would result in long-term improvement in barefoot postural stability in people with CLBP.

Methods

20 participants with CLBP were randomised to wear rocker-sole or flat-sole shoes for a minimum of 2 hours each day. Participants were assessed barefoot and shod, over three 40 s trials, under 4 posture challenging standing conditions. The primary outcome was postural stability assessed by root mean squared error of centre of pressure (CoP) displacement (CoP_{RMSE AP}) and mean CoP velocity (CoP_VELAP), both in the anteroposterior direction, using force plates. Participants' were assessed without knowledge of group allocation at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months (main outcome point). Analyses were by intention-to-treat.

Results

At 6 months, data from 11 of 13 (84.6%) of the rocker-sole and 5 of 7 (71.4%) of the flat-sole group were available for analysis. At baseline, there was a mean increase in CoP_{RMSE AP} (6.41 (2.97) mm, p<0.01) and CoP_VELAP (4.10 (2.97) mm, p<0.01) in the rocker-sole group when shod compared with barefoot; there was no difference in the flat-sole group. There were no within-group or between-group differences in change in CoP parameters at any time point compared with baseline (1) for any barefoot standing condition (2) when assessed shod eyes-open on firm ground.

Conclusions

Although wearing rocker-sole shoes results in greater postural instability than flat-sole shoes, long-term use of rocker-sole shoes did not appear to influence postural stability in people with CLBP.

Quantifying Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Patients With ACL Injury, Focal Cartilage Lesions, and Degenerative Meniscus Tears: Differences and Clinical Implications

Background:

Reduced quadriceps strength influences knee function and increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Thus, it is of significant clinical relevance to precisely quantify strength deficits in patients with knee injuries.

Purpose:

To evaluate isokinetic concentric quadriceps muscle strength torque values, assessed both from peak torque and at specific knee flexion joint angles, in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, focal cartilage lesions, and degenerative meniscus tears.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data were synthesized from patients included in 3 previously conducted research projects: 2 prospective cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial. At the time of inclusion, all patients were candidates for surgery. Isokinetic concentric quadriceps muscle strength measurements (60 deg/s) were performed at baseline (preoperative status) and after a period of progressive supervised exercise therapy (length of rehabilitation period: 5 weeks for ACL injury, 12 weeks for cartilage lesions and degenerative meniscus). Outcome measures were peak torque and torque at specific knee flexion joint angles from 20° to 70°. All patients had unilateral injuries, and side-to-side deficits were calculated. For comparisons between and within groups, we utilized 1-way analysis of variance and paired t tests, respectively.

Results:

In total, 250 patients were included. At baseline, cartilage patients had the most severe deficit (39.7% ± 24.3%; P < .001). Corresponding numbers for ACL and degenerative meniscus subjects were 21.7% (±13.2%) and 20.7% (±16.3%), respectively. At retest, there was significant improvement in all groups (P < .001), with remaining deficits of 24.7% (±18.5%) for cartilage, 16.8% (±13.9%) for ACL, and 3.3% (±17.8%) for degenerative meniscus. Peak torque was consistently measured at 60° of knee flexion, whereas the largest mean deficits were measured at 30° at baseline and 70° at retest for the ACL group, at 70° at baseline and retest for the degenerative meniscus group, and at 60° at baseline and at 50° at retest for the cartilage group.

Conclusion:

This study underlines the importance of including torque at specific knee flexion joint angles from isokinetic assessments to identify the most severe quadriceps muscle strength deficits. Furthermore, it confirms the importance of progressive exercise therapy interventions before potential surgery in patients with knee injuries.

The effectiveness of pre-operative exercise physiotherapy rehabilitation on the outcomes of treatment following anterior cruciate ligament injury: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of pre-operative exercise physiotherapy rehabilitation on the outcomes of treatment following anterior cruciate ligament injury.

METHODS

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Ovid, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies published between the inception of the databases and December 2015 were sought using appropriate keywords in various combinations. This search was supplemented with a manual search of the references of selected studies. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.

RESULTS

A total of 500 studies were identified, of which eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present review. The average Physiotherapy Evidence Database score for the studies included was 5.8, which reflects an overall moderate methodological quality. The eight studies investigated a total of 451 subjects of which 71% ( n=319) were males. The age of the participants in the eight studies ranged from 15 to 57 years. The duration of the intervention in the studies ranged from 3 to 24 weeks. This review found that pre-operative physiotherapy rehabilitation is effective for improving the outcomes of treatment following anterior cruciate ligament injury, including increasing knee-related function and improving muscle strength. However, whilst there was a significant improvement in quality of life from baseline following intervention, no significant difference in quality of life was found between the control and intervention groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence to suggest that pre-operative physiotherapy rehabilitation is beneficial to patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Nyquist and Bode stability criteria to assess changes in dynamic knee stability in healthy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed individuals during walking

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most frequently injured knee ligaments. Despite reconstruction, many individuals report difficulty returning to high level activities that require greater dynamic stability. Since few methods have been tested to assess dynamic stability post ACL reconstruction (ACLR), the purpose of this study was to evaluate between and within dynamic knee stability in control and ACLR individuals using Nyquist and Bode stability criteria. Sixteen control and sixteen post ACLR individuals performed a walking protocol. Nyquist and Bode stability criteria were implemented to classify and quantify individual step-to-step sagittal plane dynamic knee stability from the gait waveforms at initial contact, 15% and 30% of stance based on the resulting gain and phase margins. An ANOVA compared differences in phase margins between the control and ACLR limbs and found that the ACLR limbs were overall significantly more unstable than the non-reconstructed and control limbs (p=0.001). The results indicated that the ACLR individuals who exhibited stable steps adopted a more compensatory strategy aimed to stabilize the knee. These methods of evaluating dynamic knee stability may help clinicians to assess dynamic knee stability progression throughout rehabilitation and help assess return-to-sport with minimal risk to the individual.

Rehabilitation Strategies for the Athletic Individual with Early Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability in the United States. The condition has most commonly been associated with elderly sedentary individuals; however, it also can affect those who participate in regular athletic activities. The diagnosis and management of these individuals can be challenging because of both their higher level of physical activity and their overall athletic goals. Treatment requires an appropriate exercise regimen, rehabilitation program, and education of both the athlete and the coach. The focus of our article is to provide an up-to-date overview of the evaluation and management of the athletic individual who presents with symptomatic early knee OA, in particular, the nonsurgical rehabilitation treatment options available to the practitioner and the evidence to support these recommendations.

Phase-dependent changes in local dynamic stability during walking in elderly with and without knee osteoarthritis

Previously, we reported reduced time-averaged knee local stability, in the unaffected, but not the affected leg of elderly with knee osteoarthritis OA compared to controls. Since stability may show phase-related changes, we reanalyzed the dataset reported previously using time-dependent local stability, λ(t), and also calculated time-averaged local stability, λs, for comparison. We studied treadmill walking at increasing speeds, focusing on sagittal plane knee movements. 16 patients, 12 healthy peers and 15 young subjects were measured. We found a clear maximum in λ(t) (i.e. minimum in stability) at around 60% of the stride cycle (StanceMax λ(t)), a second clear maximum (SwingMax λ(t)) at around 95% followed by a minimum between 70% and 100% (SwingMin λ(t)). StanceMax λ(t) of both legs was significantly higher in the OA than the young control group. Values for healthy elderly fell between those of the other groups, were significantly higher than in young adults, but there was only a trend towards a significant difference with the StanceMax λ(t) of the OA group׳s affected side. Time-averaged and time-dependent stability measures within one leg were uncorrelated, while time-dependent stability measures at the affected side were inversely correlated with λs at the unaffected side. The results indicate that time-dependent local dynamic stability might provide a more detailed insight into the problems of gait stability in OA than conventional averaged local dynamic stability measures and support the notion that the paradoxical decline in unaffected side time-averaged local stability may be caused by a trade-off between affected and unaffected side stability.