Implementation of a motor-cognitive test protocol for ACL Rehabilitation

F Rothmund; N Köppel; A Schwank; E D de Bruin

doi:10.1055/s-0045-1812388

physioscience, Table of Contents

physioscience 2025; 21(S 03): S18
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812388

Abstracts

Präsentationen/Presentations

PS 9

Implementation of a motor-cognitive test protocol for ACL Rehabilitation

Authors

F Rothmund

¹Kantonsspital Winterthur, Institut für Therapien und Rehabilitation, Winterthur, Switzerland
N Köppel

¹Kantonsspital Winterthur, Institut für Therapien und Rehabilitation, Winterthur, Switzerland

²OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, MOVE-IT, St. Gallen, Switzerland
A Schwank

¹Kantonsspital Winterthur, Institut für Therapien und Rehabilitation, Winterthur, Switzerland
E D de Bruin

²OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, MOVE-IT, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Abstract

Full Text

Background In current Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rehabilitation, predominantly biomechanical factors are prioritized to guide rehab paths, but neurocognitive errors (inhibition, working memory) may contribute to ACL (re-) injuries. Previously injured athletes have alterations in lower extremity biomechanics with drop landing tasks and single hop tasks under dual-tasking conditions compared with single motor tasks and under dual task gait conditions. Implementation of test protocols that capture neurocognition in current clinical practice, while not requiring extensive technical infrastructure is warranted.

Compilation and implementation of a test protocol that is able to detect alterations in gait and jumping tasks under single and dual task conditions with measures that are readily available in clinical practice.

Methods Guided by a recent systematic review, existing test protocols for dual task gait and jumping assessment were searched and screened for applicability into current clinical practice in Switzerland.

Results The resulting test protocol comprises of a gait assessment using GaitUp Sensors on a treadmill and a crossover triple hop for distance assessment under single and dual task conditions. For dual tasking, patients walk with 20% increase from preferred walking speed and perform a cognitive task and perform the triple jump while fulfilling visual tasks on a PowerPoint Presentation. Single task means, they simply walk or jump. Outcomes are gait asymmetry and variability of gait under single and dual task, and asymmetry and alterations in performance during hop tests under single and dual task conditions.

Conclusion The current test protocol presents a means to assess motor-cognitive performance in ACL Rehabilitation with limited technology and good clinical availability. The results of these tests together with strength tests can be used to better monitor patients' needs in later stages of ACL rehabilitation and return-to-sport protocols. This protocol will be used as a pilot in 12-month postoperative patients that have been given full allowance for return-to-sport.