Neuromuscular efficiency of knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament injury in indian endurance athletes

Abstract

Background and Aim: Knee muscle strength deficit occurs after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. For testing, isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate agonist and antagonist muscles strength, and it provides a certain magnitude of torque generated. Electromyography (EMG) is a method used in research, rehabilitation, ergonomics, and sport science to evaluate neuromuscular activation. The aim of the study was to compare the isokinetic strength and EMG changes of the flexor and extensor muscle of the knee in healthy athletes and athletes following ACL injury in endurance sports persons of India. Materials and Methods: This comparative study investigated 16 athletes with a history of unilateral ACL injury and 16 participants in the control group. Their isokinetic strength was checked using isokinetic dynamometer BIODEX System 4 PRO Dynamometer in conc/conc mode at 60,120 and 300°/s and electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis obliqus (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST) was checked by EMG in 0% and 10% of inclination of treadmill walking between control and ACL injured endurance athletes with the help of NORAXON DTS telemetric EMG. Results: Significant differences were observed in peak torque (PT), PT/body weight (BW), and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio at certain angular velocities; when observing muscle activity, there was significant difference in left and right side of RF, VL, and ST but comparing activity and groups, there were no significance. Conclusion: ACL group presented with lower PT and PT/BW; therefore, exhibiting poor isokinetic analysis results regarding the muscle performance in comparison to the control group, and there were no significant differences at 0% and 10% inclined treadmill walking between the control group and ACL injured group.