Effects of position and speed on joint torques and knee shear after ACL injury

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of joint position and movement speed on hip (HT) and knee (KT) extensor torque, HT/KT ratio (HKR), and anterior tibial shear (S) in presurgical-ACL deficient (PRE; N = 15), post-ACL reconstructed (POST; N = 15), and uninjured controls (CON; N = 15).

Measurements were recorded on a semirecumbent variable resistance, closed-chain dynamometer. Tests were conducted at 1 and 1.5 Hz and maximum speed at 33% and 50% 1RM. HT, KT, and S were recorded during the extension phase of the cycle (85 degrees -25 degrees of knee flexion).

KT was greatest when the knee was more flexed, whereas HT dominated when it was more extended. This suggests that the hamstrings, as a component of the hip extensors, may generate considerable propulsive force during knee extension, which may help counter anterior tibial shear. S increased whereas KT decreased, suggesting that the quadriceps continue to generate shear force despite the decreasing mechanical advantage producing KT. Increasing knee extension speed significantly decreased S in the POST and CON groups. The correlations between KT and S changed from significantly negative to significantly positive as the knee extended from 85 degrees to 25 degrees in the POST and CON groups. This may be related to the orientation of the patellar tendon, relative to the tibial longitudinal axis that shifts from a posterior to anterior direction, as the knee extends.

Joint position and movement speeds affect the magnitude of hip and knee torques and anterior tibial shear. Reducing the magnitude of S during heavy loads may be a normal phenomenon, and POST surgical subjects may retain or regain this function by 1 yr after surgery.