Citation

Angelozzi M, Madama M, Corsica C, Calvisi V, Properzi G, McCaw ST, Cacchio A. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 2012; 42(9): 772-780.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Orthopaedic Section and Sports Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association)

DOI

10.2519/jospt.2012.3780

PMID

22814219

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Observational longitudinal study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the rate of force development (RFD) to 30, 50, and 90% (RFD30, RFD50, RFD90) of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) as an adjunct outcome measure for determining return-to-sport following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. BACKGROUND: One criterion used to define full recovery following an ACL reconstruction is to be able to achieve 85% or 90% of the maximal strength of the contralateral limb. But, the time required to develop muscular strength in many types of daily and sports activities is considerably less than that required to achieve maximal strength. Therefore, in addition to maximal strength, neuromuscular functions, such as RFD, should also be considered in the definition of recovery. METHODS: Forty-five male professional soccer players who underwent an ACL reconstruction were recruited. International Knee Documentation Committee form (IKDC), Tegner, KT-1000, MVIC, and RFD assessment was performed post-injury/pre-reconstruction and at 6 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. MVIC, RFD30, RFD50 and RFD90 testing was performed pre-injury, as part of standard pre-season assessment, and at 6 and 12 months post ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: The average MVIC value 6-months post-reconstruction was 97% of the pre-injury average value. In contrast, the RFD30, RFD50, and RFD90 values were 80% (P = .04), 77% (P = .03), and 63% (P = .007), respectively, of the pre-injury values. The mean RFD values for the reconstructed knee attained or exceeded 90% of the pre-injury mean values only at the 12-month post-reconstruction assessment (RFD30, P = 0.86, RFD50, P = 0.51, RFD90, P = 0.56). CONCLUSION: Despite recovery of MVIC strength very near pre-season/injury level, significant deficits in RFD still existed at 6 months post ACL-reconstruction. RFD similar to pre-injury was achieved at 12 months post ACL-reconstruction following a rehabilitation program focusing on muscle power. These results suggest that following an ACL reconstruction, using RFD criteria may be useful as an adjunct outcome measure for return-to-sport decision. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 19 July 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3780.

Language: en