Knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational study
Abstract Background ACL injuries are common among athletes and individuals experiencing trauma, leading to instability and functional impairments. Post-ACL reconstruction, patients often face challenges like pain and reduced knee function, impacting their daily lives and sports participation. The ai...
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01055-z |
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| author | Nagma Sheenam Ravi Gaur Nitesh Manohar Gonnade Abhinav Dixit Abins T. K. Chinchu K. |
| author_facet | Nagma Sheenam Ravi Gaur Nitesh Manohar Gonnade Abhinav Dixit Abins T. K. Chinchu K. |
| author_sort | Nagma Sheenam |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background ACL injuries are common among athletes and individuals experiencing trauma, leading to instability and functional impairments. Post-ACL reconstruction, patients often face challenges like pain and reduced knee function, impacting their daily lives and sports participation. The aim of this study was to describe knee functional outcomes of patients with ACL tears over three months through three subsequent visits. Methods This prospective observational study involved patients with ACL tears who were assessed pre-ACLR and at 1 and 3 months post-ACLR. Measures included Tegner Activity Scale, IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, pain scales, quadriceps thickness via ultrasound, and Rectus femoris and Vastus lateralis muscle activation via surface electromyography. Results A total of 98 patients were included in the study. Significant improvements were observed in Tegner Activity Scale scores (p < 0.001), IKDC scores (p < 0.001), Lysholm scores (p < 0.001), and pain scores (p < 0.001) over the study period. Ultrasonography and surface electromyography revealed ongoing quadriceps muscle hypotrophy and reduced neuromuscular function, highlighting the need for targeted rehabilitation. Conclusion Structured rehabilitation post-ACL reconstruction significantly improves functional outcomes and reduces pain. Challenges like muscle hypotrophy and decreased activation post-surgery emphasize the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies in the initial stages of recovery. Tailored programs focusing on these early deficits are crucial for optimizing recovery trajectories, enhancing knee stability, and preventing long-term complications. Immediate attention to these issues can help refine rehabilitation protocols, ensuring more effective outcomes as patients progress through their recovery. Further research should also focus on the long-term sustainability of these improvements. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2a2c9098b3604c2fbf47b0588a0888d7 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2052-1847 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| spelling | doaj-art-2a2c9098b3604c2fbf47b0588a0888d72025-08-20T03:53:12ZengBMCBMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation2052-18472025-05-011711810.1186/s13102-025-01055-zKnee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational studyNagma Sheenam0Ravi Gaur1Nitesh Manohar Gonnade2Abhinav Dixit3Abins T. K.4Chinchu K.5Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical SciencesDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical SciencesDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical SciencesDepartment of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical SciencesDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical SciencesDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical SciencesAbstract Background ACL injuries are common among athletes and individuals experiencing trauma, leading to instability and functional impairments. Post-ACL reconstruction, patients often face challenges like pain and reduced knee function, impacting their daily lives and sports participation. The aim of this study was to describe knee functional outcomes of patients with ACL tears over three months through three subsequent visits. Methods This prospective observational study involved patients with ACL tears who were assessed pre-ACLR and at 1 and 3 months post-ACLR. Measures included Tegner Activity Scale, IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, pain scales, quadriceps thickness via ultrasound, and Rectus femoris and Vastus lateralis muscle activation via surface electromyography. Results A total of 98 patients were included in the study. Significant improvements were observed in Tegner Activity Scale scores (p < 0.001), IKDC scores (p < 0.001), Lysholm scores (p < 0.001), and pain scores (p < 0.001) over the study period. Ultrasonography and surface electromyography revealed ongoing quadriceps muscle hypotrophy and reduced neuromuscular function, highlighting the need for targeted rehabilitation. Conclusion Structured rehabilitation post-ACL reconstruction significantly improves functional outcomes and reduces pain. Challenges like muscle hypotrophy and decreased activation post-surgery emphasize the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies in the initial stages of recovery. Tailored programs focusing on these early deficits are crucial for optimizing recovery trajectories, enhancing knee stability, and preventing long-term complications. Immediate attention to these issues can help refine rehabilitation protocols, ensuring more effective outcomes as patients progress through their recovery. Further research should also focus on the long-term sustainability of these improvements.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01055-zACL reconstructionElectromyographyFunctional outcomesKnee functionRehabilitationUltrasonography |
| spellingShingle | Nagma Sheenam Ravi Gaur Nitesh Manohar Gonnade Abhinav Dixit Abins T. K. Chinchu K. Knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational study BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation ACL reconstruction Electromyography Functional outcomes Knee function Rehabilitation Ultrasonography |
| title | Knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational study |
| title_full | Knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational study |
| title_fullStr | Knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational study |
| title_short | Knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational study |
| title_sort | knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after acl reconstruction a prospective observational study |
| topic | ACL reconstruction Electromyography Functional outcomes Knee function Rehabilitation Ultrasonography |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-025-01055-z |
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