Effects of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on neuromuscular tensiomyographic characteristics of the lower extremity in competitive male soccer players

Abstract

Therapeutic, Level II.

Comparison of tensiomyographic neuromuscular characteristics between muscles of the dominant and non-dominant lower extremity in male soccer players

“…However, none of them have compared the TMG values between the dominant and non-dominant lower extremity. In contrast, they have employed the TMG to assess risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injuries [1,2] and to assess the effects of cold water exposure [10], recovery interventions (after training sessions) [22], playing position [21], anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [3], and different types of training [24] on mechanical and contractile properties of skeletal muscles of the lower extremity. Most of these studies have employed the dominant side only to conduct their investigation [10,21,22].…”

Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Contractile Properties by Radial Displacement: The Case for Tensiomyography

“…Among the few sport-specific applications of TMG assessment published to date, soccer has received the greatest attention. Soccer studies focussing on injury have described how reconstructive surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, following anterior cruciate ligament injury, have resulted in modified contractile mechanics of muscles in lower extremities on the injured limb, compared with both the contralateral limb and to uninjured soccer players [ 74 ]. Furthermore, Alentorn-Geli et al [ 75 , 76 ] have proposed TMG as an appropriate screening tool to investigate knee flexor muscle stiffness as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury, with injured individuals presenting greater Dm and longer Tc (in the uninjured limb) compared with injury-free individuals [ 75 ].…”

“…Monitoring of asymmetry has also been conducted to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes and to inform when an individual is able to return to their sport or activity [ 106 ]. Tensiomyography allows for assessment of asymmetry at the individual muscle level, allowing the specific muscle underlying any bilateral imbalance to be identified [ 74 – 76 ]. Asymmetric TMG responses have been reported in injured soccer players, prior to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, with greater symmetry restored following surgery [ 74 ].…”

“…However, in a different study, asymmetries have been reported to persist for more than 2 years following surgery [ 107 ]. Uninjured soccer players were assessed for symmetry, with no differences between limbs observed for biceps femoris or rectus femoris, in Dm or Tc [ 74 , 80 ]. Vastus lateralis and vastus medialis did, however, display asymmetry with regard to Tc [ 74 ].…”

“…Uninjured soccer players were assessed for symmetry, with no differences between limbs observed for biceps femoris or rectus femoris, in Dm or Tc [ 74 , 80 ]. Vastus lateralis and vastus medialis did, however, display asymmetry with regard to Tc [ 74 ]. A study with a similar population showed less than 10% bilateral asymmetry in vastus medialis and up to about 20% asymmetry in the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and biceps femoris [ 108 ].…”