Relationship Between Quadriceps Muscle Strength Asymmetry and Lower Limb Biomechanical Asymmetry During Running in...

(1) Background: Postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction often involves quadriceps strength asymmetry, leading to abnormal lower limb biomechanics during running. While previous studies have examined the relationship between isokinetic strength and walking or jumping, the association between running, a key criterion for return to sport, and lower limb biomechanics remains unclear, particularly regarding isokinetic strength asymmetry at different angular velocities. (2) Methods: Isokinetic quadriceps strength, running kinematic, and kinetic data were collected from 39 ACLR individuals. Paired t-tests compared bilateral differences, and Pearson correlation analysis assessed associations between biomechanical parameters and muscle strength. (3) Results: The injured leg showed significantly weaker Qc at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s (p < 0.05). Compared to the uninjured leg, the injured leg demonstrated a significantly greater hip flexion angle at initial contact (p < 0.05); the injured leg exhibited significantly reduced knee flexion angle at the time of peak vertical ground reaction force and peak knee flexion angle (p < 0.05); the injured leg exhibited significantly reduced knee flexion moment at PVGRF, peak knee flexion moment, peak knee extension moment (p < 0.05). Both the 60°/s Qc and Qe showed moderate negative correlations with knee flexion angles, and 180°/s Qc correlated with knee flexion moment at PVGRF (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: ACLR patients show quadriceps strength asymmetry and abnormal sagittal knee and hip biomechanics during running. Strength symmetry moderately correlates with knee kinematics and kinetics in a velocity-dependent manner. Rehabilitation should focus on multi-speed and eccentric training with neuromuscular and hip-knee coordination exercises to optimize movement and support safe return to sports.