Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(5): 386-392
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1271675
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Prospective Study of Kinesthesia After ACL Reconstruction

H. Shidahara1 , M. Deie1 , T. Niimoto2 , N. Shimada1 , M. Toriyama1 , N. Adachi2 , K. Hirata3 , Y. Urabe1 , M. Ochi2
  • 1Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
  • 2Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
  • 3Hiroshima University Hospital, Rehabilitation, Hiroshima, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision December 19, 2010

Publication Date:
04 March 2011 (online)

Abstract

Previous studies used a variety of methods to assess kinesthesia, thus no consensus exists regarding kinesthetic adaptation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This study prospectively examined whether kinesthesia is adapted after ACL reconstruction, and then discussed the actual angular velocity required to properly assess kinesthesia in ACL-reconstructed patients. 31 patients were evaluated using the threshold to detect passive motion (TTDPM) test, which was applied preoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months following surgery. TTDPMs were measured at 15° or 45° of knee flexion toward both extension and flexion with angular velocities of 0.1°/s or 0.2°/s. ACL-reconstructed knees showed significantly impaired TTDPMs compared to healthy knees before the operation at 15° of knee flexion toward extension and at 45° of knee flexion toward both extension and flexion at 0.2°/s (15° of knee flexion toward extension, P=0.036; 45° of knee flexion toward extension, P=0.015; 45° of knee flexion toward flexion, P=0.030). However, there were no significant differences after 3 months of follow-up. On the basis of these results, applying 0.2°/s seems appropriate to assess TTDPM for patients with an ACL reconstruction, and kinesthesia is adapted within 12 months after the operation. Sensory function and biomechanical stability are also adapted following ACL reconstruction.

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Correspondence

Dr. Masataka DeiePhD 

Hiroshima University

Graduate School of Health

Sciences

1–2–3 Kasumi Minami-ku

734–8551 Hiroshima

Japan

Phone: +81/82/257 5433

Fax: +81/82/257 5433

Email: snm3@hiroshima-u.ac.jp

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