Neurocognitive function in chronic ACL reconstructed patients: A cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) aims to restore knee stability.
• Neurocognitive function's role in disability post-ACLR requires investigation.
• Assessing neurocognitive deficits is crucial for athletes' recovery and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate neurocognitive performance in athletes following ACLR.
• To examine the relationship between reaction time (RT), functional ability, pain, and dynamic balance in ACLR patients.
• To compare neurocognitive function between ACLR, anterior cruciate ligament deficient (ACLD), and healthy control groups.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-five male professional athletes (18-35 years) were divided into ACLR, ACLD, and control groups.
• Single and choice reaction times (SRT/CRT) were measured for knee and ankle joints.
• Functional ability (KOOS, Tegner), pain (VAS), and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were assessed.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in involved/non-involved leg RTs were found between the ACLR, ACLD, and control groups.
• No significant correlations were observed between neurocognitive measures (SRT, CRT, error ratio) and functional outcomes (KOOS, Tegner, VAS, YBT) in ACLR/ACLD groups.
• A significant difference in knee standard deviation (StdDev) RT was noted between dominant and non-dominant legs in the control group.

Conclusions:

• Neurocognitive performance appears largely unchanged in professional athletes post-ACL injury or reconstruction.
• Current testing conditions may not be sufficiently challenging to reveal subtle neurocognitive deficits.
• Further research should explore neurocognitive assessment under more demanding conditions for ACL athletes.