Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) serves as a vital stabilizer for the human knee, yet it is one of the most injured ligaments in the body. While surgery and physical therapy can restore function to the injured knee, those who rehabilitate from an ACL tear may never regain their former performance capabilities. To better understand the influence of rehabilitation on ACL performance, this study evaluated strength and stability differences within the legs of 11 individuals who have rehabilitated from an ACL repair. Y-Balance Tests and a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer were used to measure dynamic knee stability and strength, respectively. No significant differences were found in the strength test measurements. However, differences in Y-Balance Test composite scores (-2.8±3.1%, p = 0.014) and maximal anterior reaches (-2.8±2.4cm, p = 0.010) were found to be significantly different. Consequently, both balance measurements in the involved legs were significantly impaired when compared to the uninvolved legs.

Publication Date

5-1-2017

Language

English

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