Lindsey K Lepley1, Dustin R Grooms2, Julie P Burland3, Steven M Davi3, Jennifer L Mosher3, Marc L Cormier4, Adam S Lepley5. 1. Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA. Electronic address: lindsey.lepley@uconn.edu. 2. Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA. 3. Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA. 4. Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. 5. Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Substantial changes in neural function are historically present after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and are not rectified with traditional rehabilitation. Cross-exercise is a potential means to enhance neural excitability and improve recovery after ACLR. Hence our purpose, was to detail changes in brain activation, neural excitability and patient-reported outcomes in a cohort that completed an 8-week quadriceps-focused eccentric cross-exercise training program immediately following ACLR. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: University. PARTICPANTS: Five patients participated in an 8-week (24-session) eccentric cross-exercise intervention after ACLR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Brain activation, neural activity and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated within 2 weeks post-ACLR and again at 10-weeks post-ACLR after the intervention. Each cross-exercise session consisted of 4 sets of 10 isokinetic eccentric contractions at 60 deg/sec with the noninvolved limb. RESULTS: Following the intervention, patients demonstrated a facilitated spinal reflexive and muscle activity response from the motor cortex during a time when these measures are known to be depressed. Patients also demonstrated a reduce dependence on frontal cortex activity to generate quadriceps contractions. Further patients reported significant reductions in pain and symptoms and greater knee function. CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric cross-exercise after ACLR helps to facilitate positive adaptations in neural function and patient reported outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: Substantial changes in neural function are historically present after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and are not rectified with traditional rehabilitation. Cross-exercise is a potential means to enhance neural excitability and improve recovery after ACLR. Hence our purpose, was to detail changes in brain activation, neural excitability and patient-reported outcomes in a cohort that completed an 8-week quadriceps-focused eccentric cross-exercise training program immediately following ACLR. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: University. PARTICPANTS: Five patients participated in an 8-week (24-session) eccentric cross-exercise intervention after ACLR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Brain activation, neural activity and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated within 2 weeks post-ACLR and again at 10-weeks post-ACLR after the intervention. Each cross-exercise session consisted of 4 sets of 10 isokinetic eccentric contractions at 60 deg/sec with the noninvolved limb. RESULTS: Following the intervention, patients demonstrated a facilitated spinal reflexive and muscle activity response from the motor cortex during a time when these measures are known to be depressed. Patients also demonstrated a reduce dependence on frontal cortex activity to generate quadriceps contractions. Further patients reported significant reductions in pain and symptoms and greater knee function. CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric cross-exercise after ACLR helps to facilitate positive adaptations in neural function and patient reported outcomes.
Authors: Julie P Burland; Adam S Lepley; Marc Cormier; Lindsay J DiStefano; Robert Arciero; Lindsey K Lepley Journal: Sports Med Date: 2019-05 Impact factor: 11.136
Authors: Alli Gokeler; Alberto Grassi; Roy Hoogeslag; Albert van Houten; Caroline Bolling; Matthew Buckthorpe; Grant Norte; Anne Benjaminse; Pieter Heuvelmans; Stefano Di Paolo; Igor Tak; Francesco Della Villa Journal: J Exp Orthop Date: 2022-07-30