Abstract
Gait asymmetries have been documented in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). The relationship between gait asymmetry and associated psychological factors, however, is not yet known. This study aimed to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of reinjury) and asymmetry of vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and lower-extremity muscular activity in individuals after ACLR during gait. Twenty-eight males with a history of ACLR participated in the study. Force plate and surface electromyography was used to record peak vGRF and muscular activity. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) was used to measure kinesiophobia. Spearman’s rank correlations analysis was used to examine the relationship between TSK-11 scores and both gait asymmetry variables. There was a significant positive relationship between TSK-11 and asymmetry of the second peak of vGRF (rs = 0.531, p = 0.002). In addition, there was a significant positive association between asymmetry of rectus femoris activity (rs = 0.460, p = 0.007) and biceps femoris activity (rs = 0.429, p = 0.011) in the contact phase. Results revealed a significant relationship between kinesiophobia and asymmetry in muscle activity and vGRF in different phases of the gait cycle. Interventions addressing kinesiophobia early in the rehabilitation after ACLR may support the restoration of gait symmetry, facilitate a more rapid return to sport, and reduce the risk of ACL reinjury.
Highlights
Even with innovative surgical and rehabilitation approaches, previous studies have reported a high rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reinjury and fast-developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) after ACL reconstruction (ACLR)
This study aimed to determine the association between kinesiophobia and asymmetry in vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and lower-limb muscle activity during walking in individuals with ACLR
We found that the asymmetry of medial gastrocnemius activity in the contact phase, the asymmetry of medial gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris activity in the midstance/propulsion phase, and the asymmetry of the first peak of vGRF were not related to fear of reinjury
Summary
Even with innovative surgical and rehabilitation approaches, previous studies have reported a high rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reinjury and fast-developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). OA of patients with combined ACL and meniscal injuries at 10 to 15 years follow-up after. Young athletes who return to sport are at approximately 30 to 40 times greater risk of sustaining an ACL injury during sport, relative to their uninjured counterparts [1]. Asymmetry of lower-limb movements may contribute to the development of OA and increase the risk for reinjury in people with ACL-injured knees [6,7,8]. The first year after ACLR is a critical period for athletes who try to regain their preinjury level of functioning, and the likelihood of experiencing another knee injury is around 49% [9]. Previous research indicates that athletes with biomechanical asymmetries at the time of return to sport (RTS) were at least three times more likely to reinjure their
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
