Effects of Visual Perturbation on Single-Leg Drop Jump Biomechanics in Patients Post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament...

Background: Patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) often exhibit persistent biomechanical deficits, particularly during high-demand tasks like the single-leg drop jump (SLDJ). At approximately six months post-ACLR, patients frequently rely on visual input to compensate for persistent sensorimotor deficits during dynamic tasks, which may lead to altered movement patterns. While visual perturbations have been studied in bilateral jump tasks, their impact on SLDJ biomechanics in ACLR patients remains unexplored. Methods: Patients who were still engaged in rehabilitation and not yet cleared for unrestricted return to sport performed SLDJ under three visual conditions: normal vision, low visual perturbation, and high visual perturbation using stroboscopic glasses. Kinematic and kinetic variables were measured using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system and force platform. Comparisons were made between the ACLR and non-operated limbs, as well as across visual conditions. Results: 24 patients (17 males, 7 females; mean age 25.6 ± 6.3 years, mean height 174 ± 9.0 cm, mean weight 74.7 ± 17.2 kg) were included in the analysis. Knee adduction excursion during landing was significantly affected by visual perturbation (F(2, 46) = 6.55, p = 0.004, η² = 0.019). Post hoc analysis showed that high visual perturbation significantly decreased knee adduction excursion compared to normal vision on the ACLR limb (mean difference 1.499°, SE = 0.388, pBonf = 0.003, Cohen's d = 0.542). A significant difference was also found between low and high visual perturbation on the ACLR limb (mean difference 1.543°, SE = 0.388, pBonf = 0.002, Cohen's d = 0.558). No significant changes were observed in the non-operated limb across visual conditions. Conclusions: High visual perturbation significantly altered knee adduction excursion on the ACLR limb, resulting in a shift toward greater knee abduction during landing. No changes were observed in the non-operated limb. These findings support the use of visual perturbation in functional assessment protocols after ACLR to better identify persistent biomechanical deficits that may contribute to reinjury risk.