Knee Training for Former Soccer Players with ACL Injuries
Author Information
Author(s): Anette von Porat, Marketta Henriksson, Eva Holmström, Ewa M Roos
Primary Institution: Lund University
Hypothesis
Knee-specific training focusing on neuromuscular control would decrease the knee stiffness loading strategy commonly seen in ACL-injured subjects.
Conclusion
Knee-specific training improved lower extremity kinetics and kinematics, indicating reduced knee stiffness during demanding hop activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Knee flexion during landing increased from 44 to 48 degrees after training.
- Internal knee extensor moment increased from 1.28 to 1.55 Nm/kg after training.
- The KOOS sport and recreation score improved from 70 to 77 after training.
Takeaway
This study shows that special exercises for the knee can help people who hurt their knee a long time ago feel better and move better.
Methodology
A 12-week knee-specific training program was conducted, and knee kinetics and kinematics were measured before and after training using a 3D motion analysis system.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of participants and lack of significant differences between groups at baseline.
Limitations
The small sample size and the homogeneity of the study group limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
All participants were males with a history of ACL injury from soccer, with a mean age of 40 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.031 for peak knee flexion, p = 0.017 for internal knee extensor moment, p = 0.005 for KOOS score improvement.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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