Abstract
To compare self-report and functional outcomes between participants with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with age and activity matched controls.
Cross-sectional study.
University laboratory-based study.
Twenty-five participants (30.8 ± 9.7 years; 13 women), two to ten years post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; 24 controls (31.0 ± 10 years, 13 women).
Knee Osteoarthritis and Injury Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner, Marx Activity and Fear of Re-injury scales, and SF-12; isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring peak torque and single-leg hop distance.
There were no between-groups differences for the Tegner and the Marx Activity Scales. The ACLR group had lower KOOS dimensions (p < 0.001), SF-12 Physical Component Scores (p = 0.008), and higher Fear of Reinjury Scores (<0.001) than the controls. No significant differences were found for physical performance measures between the ACLR and the control groups. Significant between-side differences for the ACLR group were evident for concentric quadriceps (p < 0.001) and concentric hamstring peak torque (p = 0.002), and hop distance (p < 0.001).
Knee-specific symptoms and function, activity and quality of life were lower, and fear of re-injury was higher for participants with ACLR than controls. Side-to-side thigh muscle strength and hop distance deficits were evident for the ACLR group.
•18 of 25 participants, 2–10 years post ACL reconstruction had ‘symptomatic’ knees.•The ACLR group had lower symptoms, function, and quality of life scores than Controls.•The ACLR group had higher Fear of Re-injury scores than Controls.•Long-term muscle strength and hop distance asymmetries were evident in the ACL group.