Kinetic Asymmetry During a Repetitive Tuck Jump Task in Athletes with a History of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

BackgroundAthletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction typically exhibit relatively high/rapid loading of their uninvolved limb during bilateral landing and jumping (vs. their limb that underwent reconstruction), which may place their uninvolved limb at risk for injury. However, previous studies have only examined forces and loading rates for tasks involving an isolated land-and-jump. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine bilateral landing and jumping kinetics during performance of a repetitive tuck jump task in athletes who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and completed rehabilitation. Study DesignCross-sectional study MethodsNine athletes (four males, five females) participated in this study. All participants had undergone successful unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, had completed post-operative rehabilitation, and were in the process of completing return-to-sport testing. Athletes performed a repetitive tuck jump task for 10 seconds, while ground reaction forces were recorded for their uninvolved and involved limbs via separate force platforms. Two-way analysis of variance, for within-subjects factors of limb and cycle, was performed for the impact forces, loading rates, and propulsive forces from the first five land-and-jump cycles completed.