Déficit proprioceptivo em indivíduos com ruptura unilateral do ligamento cruzado anterior após a avaliação ativa do senso de posição articular

Abstract

ObjectiveTo ascertain whether the proprioceptive deficit in the sense of joint position continues to be present when patients with a limb presenting a deficient anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are assessed by testing their active reproduction of joint position, in comparison with the contralateral limb. MethodsTwenty patients with unilateral ACL tearing participated in the study. Their active reproduction of joint position in the limb with the deficient ACL and in the healthy contralateral limb was tested. Meta‐positions of 20% and 50% of the maximum joint range of motion were used. Proprioceptive performance was determined through the values of the absolute error, variable error and constant error. ResultsSignificant differences in absolute error were found at both of the positions evaluated, and in constant error at 50% of the maximum joint range of motion. ConclusionWhen evaluated in terms of absolute error, the proprioceptive deficit continues to be present even when an active evaluation of the sense of joint position is made. Consequently, this sense involves activity of both intramuscular and tendon receptors.