Quadriceps Strength and Kinesiophobia Predict Long-Term Function After ACL Reconstruction: A Cross-Sectional Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Many patients experience long-term knee dysfunction following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).
• Identifying key physical performance measures linked to long-term outcomes post-ACLR remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between physical performance measures and long-term patient-reported outcomes after ACLR.
• To determine if quadriceps strength is the primary predictor of functional recovery.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 40 patients an average of 10.9 years post-ACLR.
• Patients completed validated questionnaires (LEFS, IKDC, KOOS, TSK-17) and underwent physical performance tests (quadriceps strength, step-down, hop tests).
• Multivariate regression analyses controlled for time since surgery, age, and kinesiophobia levels.

Main Results:

• Maximal isometric quadriceps strength was the only physical performance measure significantly associated with all patient-reported outcomes (IKDC, KOOS Sport, KOOS QoL, LEFS).
• Hop tests and step-down tests did not show significant associations with patient-reported outcomes.
• Kinesiophobia (TSK-17) was significantly associated with all outcomes, while time since surgery was not.

Conclusions:

• Isometric quadriceps strength and kinesiophobia are significant predictors of long-term patient-reported outcomes after ACLR.
• Interventions focusing on improving quadriceps strength and managing kinesiophobia may enhance long-term functional recovery in ACLR patients.