Effects of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Lower Limb Joint Angle and Shock Absorption Pattern of Adult Males during Single-Leg Drop Landing

Abstract

PURPOSE This study analyzed the difference in lower extremity joint angle and shock absorption patterns at the point of maximum ground reaction force during single-leg drop landing with or without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).METHODS Forty adult males were recruited for this study, with 19 in the ACLR group (age: 20.52±1.43years, height: 179.26±5.18cm, weight: 74.91±6.29kg) and 21 in the control group (age: 21.42±1.61years, height: 174.97±6.83cm, weight: 69.27±7.56kg). Participants performed single-leg landings on a 30cm tall box. An independent sample t-test was used to analyze the difference in kinetics variables at the point of maximum ground reaction force upon landing, with significance set at p=0.05.RESULTS The lower limb joint angle showed significant differences in hip flexion, hip abduction, knee flexion, and knee valgus (p<0.05) between groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the results of kinetics variables during single-leg landing (maximum ground reaction force, lower extremity stiffness, and shock absorption time).CONCLUSIONS The ACLR group showed a clear difference in kinematics compared to the control group, but no significant difference in kinetic results was found. The two groups compensated for the same impact with different movements, though movements in the ACLR group may increase the risk of ACL re-injury. Those with ACLR should strive to reduce the risk of re-injury by training to use correct movements.