Lower Limb Kinematics and Dynamic Postural Stability in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Reconstructed Female Athletes

Abstract

Deficits in dynamic postural stability and concomitant altered hip- and knee-joint kinematics are present after ACL reconstruction and return to competitive activity. The extent to which these deficits influence potential future injury is worthy of investigation.

Sex differences in frontal and transverse plane hip and knee kinematics during the modified Star Excursion Balance Test

“…They found altered hip frontal, transverse, and sagittal plane mechanics, as well as altered knee joint sagittal plane kinematics in the injured population as compared with the controls [25]. Supporting our results, findings were similar between the current investigation and Delahunt et al's [25] female control group in hip frontal and transverse plane kinematics during the mSEBT.…”

“…Unfortunately, reach distances alone do not examine potential altered kinematic reach strategies of the stance limb. It has been suggested in previous studies that limitations in sagittal plane ANT reach distance may be compensated by ipsilateral hip adduction [25,27]. This is believed to be accomplished by creating a Tren- Flex -flexion, Ext -extension, Ir -internal rotation, Er -external rotation * statistically significant difference between sexes, p < 0.05 delenburg position of the ipsilateral leg, thus increasing the length of the contralateral limb and ANT reach distance [25].…”

“…This is further supported by Clagg et al [22], with the findings that alterations in postural stability and neuromuscular control are a potential predictor of second ACL injuries. Finally, Delahunt et al [25] recently examined kinematic reach strategies of the hip and knee in the frontal and sagittal plane, comparing a control and ACL reconstructed groups during the mSEBT. They found altered hip frontal, transverse, and sagittal plane mechanics, as well as altered knee joint sagittal plane kinematics in the injured population as compared with the controls [25].…”

“…Finally, Delahunt et al [25] recently examined kinematic reach strategies of the hip and knee in the frontal and sagittal plane, comparing a control and ACL reconstructed groups during the mSEBT. They found altered hip frontal, transverse, and sagittal plane mechanics, as well as altered knee joint sagittal plane kinematics in the injured population as compared with the controls [25]. Supporting our results, findings were similar between the current investigation and Delahunt et al's [25] female control group in hip frontal and transverse plane kinematics during the mSEBT.…”

“…Previous studies comparing the sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane kinematics during the mSEBT between sexes were primarily devoted to fatigued or injured populations only [18,[24][25][26][27][28]. Although investigators have performed kinematic analysis on healthy, non-fatigued individuals during the mSEBT, they limited their analysis to lower extremity sagittal plane angles [27].…”