Author(s): BUSCH, A., GIGGLINGER, S., EICHELBERGER, P., Institution: BERN UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, Country: SWITZERLAND, Abstract-ID: 320

INTRODUCTION:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture frequently results in long-term functional deficits, despite surgical reconstruction and extensive rehabilitation. Altered postural control may be a contributing factor to these deficits. Time to stabilization (TTS) is an established method for assessing dynamic postural control. However, evidence following ACL reconstruction remains limited. Therefore, the aim was to assess the dynamic postural control following ACL reconstruction.
METHODS:
In this cross-sectional study, 24 individuals twelve months following an ACL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon graft and 24 matched healthy controls were assessed. Participants performed single-leg hops for distance with subsequent landing on a force plate to calculate TTS. Linear mixed models examined group and limb effects.
RESULTS:
In this cross-sectional study, 24 individuals twelve months following an ACL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon graft and 24 matched healthy controls were assessed. Participants performed single-leg hops for distance with subsequent landing on a force plate to calculate TTS. Linear mixed models examined group and limb effects.
Results: Jump distance was significantly lower in the ACL-involved limb compared to the contralateral limb and both limbs of controls (p < 0.03). TTS was shorter in the ACL-involved limb versus the non-involved limb (estimate = -0.69, SE = 0.19, p = 0.001), with no significant differences between groups (p = 0.21).

CONCLUSION:
Twelve months following ACL reconstruction, dynamic stabilization during landing appears preserved or even improved in the involved limb. However, the possibility of an influence of the jumping distance cannot be discounted. These findings challenge assumptions of persistent postural deficits following reconstruction and highlight the need for further research.