Single leg hop for distance symmetry masks lower limb biomechanics: time to discuss hop distance as decision criterion for return to sport after ACL reconstruction?

• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103677
• Publication Date: 2021-03-09T18:20:12Z
• Authors: Argyro Kotsifaki; Rod Whiteley; Sam Van Rossom; Vasileios Korakakis; Roald Bahr; Vasileios Sideris; Philip Graham-Smith; Ilse Jonkers
• Keywords: Biomechanics; Return to Sport

We evaluated the lower limb status of athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) during propulsion and landing phases a single leg hop for distance (SLHD) task they had been cleared to return sport. wanted evaluate biomechanical components involved (operated) uninvolved legs with ACLR compare these those uninjured (controls).We captured standard video-based three-dimensional motion electromyography (EMG) in 26 23 healthy controls SLHD calculated trunk kinematics. joint moments work using inverse dynamics computed muscle forces an EMG-constrained musculoskeletal modelling approach. Between-limb (within athletes) between-group differences (between controls) were paired independent sample t-tests, respectively.Significant kinematics (effect sizes ranging from 0.42 1.56), (0.39 1.08), contribution (0.55 1.04) seen between legs, as well groups. Athletes achieved 97%±4% symmetry index but done by knee was only 69%. During landing, absorbed less than uninvolved, while more control group. compensated greater hip flexion, pelvis tilt, flexion.Symmetry performance on test does not ensure biomechanics. The hopped is poor measure function, largely reflects ankle function. Male selectively unload outperform knee.