Muscle strength capacities in elite football players after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the strength capacities of the injured and noninjured leg following a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: Eight elite soccer players (age = 25.5 ± 3.9 years; height = 1.83 ± 0.04 m; body mass = 78.9 ± 4.5 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. Nine months after the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and just before initiating the full training process the maximal peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles were measured at 60 and 180 degrees/second using isokinetic dynamometry. Obtained peak torques were used for calculating hamstring to quadriceps ratio, limb symmetry index, and to estimate maximal torque capacity using a two- velocity method (i.e., linear torque-velocity relationship modeled considering peak torque obtained at 60 and 180 degrees/second). Results: No differences were found between hamstring to quadriceps ratios of the injured and non-injured leg (p = 0.165), nor between limb symmetry index of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles (p = 0.985) regardless of the angular velocity applied during tests. The two-point method revealed significant differences between quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups both in the injured and non-injured leg (p < 0.001; maximal estimated torque was higher for quadriceps compared to hamstring muscles), while the differences between same muscle groups of the different legs were not significant. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings indicate that 9 months were enough for reaching a certain strength level of the injured leg that permits a safe return to play.