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

Although anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is commonly performed to increase knee stability, neurocognitive performance needs to be investigated as a contributing factor to disability.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the neurocognitive performance in ACLR patients and to examine the relationship between reaction time (RT), functional ability, pain and dynamic balance in ACLR patients.

Fifty-five professional league athletes (male) (aged between 18 and 35 years) were recruited into three groups, including ACLR, anterior cruciate ligament deficient (ACLD), and healthy subjects (control group). Single RT (SRT) and choice RT (CRT) of both the involved and non-involved leg (for knee and ankle joint) (dominant and non-dominant legs in control group) were measured using DLRT software in sitting position. Knee functional ability, and pain intensity were evaluated using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), the Tegner activity rating scale, the visual analogue scale (VAS), respectively. Dynamic balance was measured using Y balance test. The correlation between neurocognitive performance, functional ability, pain and dynamic balance were calculated.

No statistically significant differences were found in involved, non-involved ankle and knee RTs between groups (P > 0.05). In both ACLR and ACLD groups, there was no significant correlation between SRT, CRT, and error ratio and KOOS, Tegner (after injury) and VAS scores, as well as YBT for either involved or non-involved leg (P > 0.05). Significant knee standard deviation (StdDev) RT difference was found between dominant and non-dominant leg of subjects in control group (P = 0.032).

Neurocognitive performance may not significantly change following injury or reconstruction of the ACL in professional league athletes. This suggests that neurocognitive performance in these individuals should be evaluated under more challenging conditions to gain a more accurate assessment.