Longitudinal assessment of knee joint proprioception using weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing tests throughout rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Evaluate active knee joint position sense (JPS) throughout rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DESIGN: Longitudinal. SETTING: Motion laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two individuals post-ACLR and 22 activity-matched non-injured controls performed weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing knee JPS tests. The ACLR participants performed at three functional timepoints: T1, able to perform single-leg sit-to-stand; T2, able to hop maximally; T3, cleared for return to sports. Controls performed on one occasion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Constant, absolute, variable errors (CE, AE, VE) and interlimb symmetry estimates (100% signifying perfect symmetry), for 40° and 65° knee flexion target angles. RESULTS: = 139.7% ± 54.8%). Compared to controls, AE for the ACLR knee was significantly smaller at T1 (P = 0.016). No other significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller JPS errors at early rehabilitation while weight-bearing may have been due to heightened quadriceps activation and increased γ motor neuron sensitivity, compensating for deficient ACL mechanoreceptors. In contrast, non-weight-bearing testing did not reveal changes over time. Clinicians are advised to consider these distinctions when assessing proprioception at different rehabilitation stages.
Source: Physical Therapy in Sport
Institution: Umeå University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W4402168026