Nicole Clark1, Trent Forshey1, Ivan Mulligan1, Curtis Kindel2. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, Saint Francis University, P.O Box 600 Loretto, PA, 15940, USA. 2. Anderson University, 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr. Suite B3, Greenville, SC, 29607, USA. Electronic address: ckindel@andersonuniversity.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether Division I athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and who are medically cleared to return to sport, demonstrate faulty knee mechanics during a change of direction maneuver, as evidenced by the presence of genu valgum on VICON® motion analysis system of 5° or greater. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University. PARTICIPANTS: Ten Division I athletes performed a 90° change of direction movement on both the ACLR and unaffected limbs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knee mechanics were assessed using the VICON® motion analysis system. Knee position was analyzed in the frontal plane and peak genu valgum position was determined during the functional movement. RESULTS: Eight out of ten athletes (80%) demonstrated genu valgum ≥ 5° on the ACLR limb during a 90° cutting movement. Fourteen out of twenty (70%) of the knees assessed demonstrated genu valgum ≥ 5° during a 90° cutting movement. CONCLUSION: Athletes who have fully returned to sport following an ACLR demonstrate substantial genu valgum during a cutting maneuver, which suggests an increased risk for future injury. These results show an increased need during ACL rehabilitation to focus on existing biomechanical deficits during sport-specific movements.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether Division I athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and who are medically cleared to return to sport, demonstrate faulty knee mechanics during a change of direction maneuver, as evidenced by the presence of genu valgum on VICON® motion analysis system of 5° or greater. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University. PARTICIPANTS: Ten Division I athletes performed a 90° change of direction movement on both the ACLR and unaffected limbs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knee mechanics were assessed using the VICON® motion analysis system. Knee position was analyzed in the frontal plane and peak genu valgum position was determined during the functional movement. RESULTS: Eight out of ten athletes (80%) demonstrated genu valgum ≥ 5° on the ACLR limb during a 90° cutting movement. Fourteen out of twenty (70%) of the knees assessed demonstrated genu valgum ≥ 5° during a 90° cutting movement. CONCLUSION: Athletes who have fully returned to sport following an ACLR demonstrate substantial genu valgum during a cutting maneuver, which suggests an increased risk for future injury. These results show an increased need during ACL rehabilitation to focus on existing biomechanical deficits during sport-specific movements.