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Functional Brain Plasticity Associated with ACL Injury: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence.
1LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg.
Neural Plasticity
|January 18, 2020
Summary
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is linked to changes in brain activity, indicating functional neuroplasticity. This review confirms neuroplastic changes occur after ACL injury, impacting brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a prevalent condition leading to joint instability and osteoarthritis.
- Emerging research suggests a connection between ACL injury and alterations in brain activity, termed functional neuroplasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize the existing evidence on functional brain plasticity following an ACL injury.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was performed adhering to Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA guidelines.
- Literature searches were conducted across PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases using keywords related to brain activity and ACL injury.
- Studies were included if they involved populations with ACL injury, measured brain activity, and included a comparison group (contralateral limb or healthy controls).
Main Results:
- Out of 184 initially identified articles, 24 were included in the final review.
- Observed effect sizes for differences in brain activity varied significantly, from small (0.05) between injured and non-injured limbs to large (4.07) compared to healthy controls.
- Heterogeneity was noted in methodologies for measuring brain activity and participant characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The reviewed evidence supports the presence of functional neuroplastic changes in individuals with ACL injury.
- Future research should address methodological variations and potential confounders to strengthen the evidence base for neuroplasticity after ACL injury.
