Effect of preventive intervention on asymmetry of single-leg landing, dynamic balance and lower muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine whether preventive rehabilitation improves the asymmetry between the involved side and the uninvolved side of single-leg landing, dynamic balance, and lower limb muscular strength of young female athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were twelve young females who returned to sports after preventive rehabilitation after ACLR. Two-dimensional analyses of single-leg landing and lower limb muscular strength (knee extension/flexion, hip abduction/external rotation), and the modified star excursion balance test (M-SEBT) were performed at the time of the return. The difference between the involved side and the uninvolved side of each measure was compared, and the limb symmetry index (LSI) was calculated. [Results] There were no differences in knee valgus and flexion angle in single-leg landing, and in the M-SEBT. LSI of lower limb muscular strength was over 90%. [Conclusion] The asymmetry between the involved side and the uninvolved side was improved by preventive rehabilitation.