Abstract

This study examined the relative responsiveness of the five KT 1000 knee arthrometer tests (66.8, 89, 133.5 N forces, a maximal manual Lachman test, and an active quadriceps femoris lift test) used to assess anterior knee joint laxity. Using these tests, 20 consecutive subjects were evaluated before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and between 16 and 19 weeks postsurgery. The responsiveness was determined and the reliability change index was calculated to provide an estimation of the lower limit of detectable change. The results indicate that the 133.5 N test is the most responsive test. Furthermore, the lower limit of detectable change regardless of the test applied was 4 mm. Only the 133.5 N test and the maximal manual Lachmann test achieved change scores exceeding this value. The study summarizes the implications of these findings as they apply to both clinician and clinical researcher. Verf.-Referat