Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Clinical-oriented Three-dimensional Gait Analysis Method for Evaluating Gait Disorder
Published on: March 4, 2018
Abnormal Lower Limb Biomechanics During a Bilateral Vertical Jump Despite the Symmetry in Single-Leg Vertical Hop
Peng Chen1,2, Ling Wang2,3, Shiyu Dong4
1School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Background:
A limb symmetry index (LSI) of >90% for single-leg horizontal hop distance is recommended as a cutoff point for safe return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Despite achieving this threshold, abnormal lower limb biomechanics continue to persist in athletes after ACLR. Symmetry in single-leg vertical hop height appears to be more difficult to achieve and can be a better representation of knee function than single-leg horizontal hop distance.
Purpose:
To explore whether an LSI of >90% for single-leg vertical hop height can represent normal lower limb biomechanics in athletes during a bilateral vertical jump after ACLR.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
According to the LSI for single-leg vertical hop height, 46 athletes who had undergone ACLR with an autologous ipsilateral bone-patellar tendon-bone or hamstring tendon graft were divided into a low symmetry group (LSI <90%; n = 23) and a high symmetry group (LSI >90%; n = 23), and 24 noninjured athletes were selected as the control group. The kinematic and kinetic characteristics during a bilateral vertical jump were compared between the low symmetry, high symmetry, and control groups.
Results:
During the propulsion phase of the bilateral vertical jump, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a lower knee extension moment than the nonoperated side (P = .001). At peak vertical ground-reaction force, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a lower knee internal rotation moment compared with the control group (P = .016). Compared with the nonoperated side, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a higher hip extension moment (P = .002), lower knee extension moment (P < .001), lower ankle plantarflexion moment (P < .001), and lower vertical ground-reaction force (P = .023).
Conclusion:
Despite achieving an LSI of >90% for single-leg vertical hop height, athletes after ACLR showed abnormal lower limb biomechanical characteristics during the bilateral vertical jump.
Clinical Relevance:
Symmetrical single-leg vertical hop height may not signify ideal biomechanical or return-to-sports readiness in this population.
