6533b853fe1ef96bd12aca6e

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Activation and torque deficits in ACL-reconstructed patients 4 months post-operative

subject

description

This study compares knee extension and flexion torques and electromyographic (EMG) activity of normal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed knees during maximal unilateral isometric and isokinetic tests performed 4–5 months after ACL reconstruction. The subjects consisted of 3 age- and activity-matched groups of 6 subjects: a healthy control group (Ctrl) and 2 groups of patients, with Kenneth-Jones technique using autologous patellar-ligament graft (KJ group) and autologous graft from the semitendinosus tendon (ST group). When compared to the Ctrl group values, each patient group had significant bilateral extension torque deficits in isometric and at slow velocity concentric conditions. In the Op leg, this deficit was associated with lower quadriceps EMG activation. In all tests, bilateral hamstring co-activation level was lower in the patient groups. Flexion torque deficits were observed in the Op leg of both patient groups and in the Nop leg of the KJ group, with minor differences in either...