Study on the evaluation of knee joint proprioception with a focus on hamstring function

Abstract

This study was performed to establish a simple method to evaluate knee joint proprioception by examining knee-bending angle, in which Lombard's Paradox phenomenon could be confirmed, in 8 extremities of 7 patients with ACL injured who were diagnosed with ACL rupture at a medical facility (ACL injured group) and 10 extremities of 10 healthy adults (control group). As a result, knee joint proprioception in the ACL injured group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Significantly more incidence of Lombard's Paradox phenomenon was confirmed at the knee-extension position in the ACL injured group (P<0.01), compared with the control group. Significant negative correlation was confirmed between the reproductive angle inaccuracy of joint position sensation, a marker of knee joint proprioception, and Lombard's Paradox phenomenon under the conditions of r=-0.58 and the risk rate of 5%. Based on the results of this study, it was suggested that the knee-bending angle, in which Lombard's Paradox phenomenon was confirmed, would be affected by knee joint proprioception through feedback from the ACL mechanoreceptors, and the angle might be used as a simple evaluation method for knee joint proprioception.