Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine individuals 5 years after ACL reconstruction and analyze changes involving strength, stability, function, and sports activities. Nineteen males and six females, mean age = 31.4 +- 7.31 years, participated in this study. Fifteen subjects had received extraarticular and ten subjects had received intraarticular ACL reconstructions. Subjects completed a 100 point subjective functional activity questionnaire and a sports participation survey. Knee ligament stability was assessed during an objective knee examination. Isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength were tested at 240 and 120 deg/sec using the Cybex II dynamometer. Anterolateral rotatory instability and positive Lachman were elicited on the operated leg for 80 of the subjects. No significant relationship was found between objective instability and the functional activity score. For the intraarticular group, a significant correlation was found between increased quadriceps and hamstring strength on the operated leg and return to functional activities. Subjects functional activity score was positively correlated with their ability to participate in sports. These results indicate that long-term progressive rehabilitation emphasizing increased quadriceps and hamstring strength to approximate the nonoperated leg may enhance successful return to functional and sports activities after ACL reconstruction. Verf.-Referat