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Visual processing and interference performance influences on knee angular impulse in ACLR individuals: a
Keven Santamaria-Guzman1, Hillary Holmes2, Jerad Kosek3
1School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, United States. kgs0071@auburn.edu.
Athletes after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) show faster visual reaction times but poorer cognitive control, alongside altered landing biomechanics. Rehabilitation should address cognitive and movement skills separately for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Visual processing speed and cognitive interference control are vital for athletic performance and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury risk.
- Persistent re-injury rates after ACL Reconstruction (ACLR) suggest rehabilitation may not fully address cognitive demands.
- The relationship between cognitive function and biomechanical performance post-ACLR is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cognitive differences between individuals with ACLR and controls during drop-jump tasks.
- To examine the relationship between cognitive function and knee biomechanics after ACLR.
- To inform rehabilitation strategies for athletes returning to sport.
Main Methods:
- 32 female athletes (16 ACLR, 16 controls) completed cognitive tests (Stroop, Trail Making, Digit Span, reaction time).
- Participants performed drop-jumps under standard, choice, and cued conditions.
- Knee angular impulse was calculated; cognitive predictors and biomechanical differences were analyzed using regression and ANOVA; correlations explored cognition-biomechanics links.
Main Results:
- Three cognitive variables differentiated groups: interference control, simple visual reaction time, and complex visual reaction time.
- ACLR group had faster visual reaction times but worse interference control.
- ACLR participants exhibited lower eccentric knee angular impulse, indicating protective strategies; cognitive and biomechanical measures showed minimal correlation.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with ACLR display unique cognitive (faster visual reaction, poorer interference control) and biomechanical (altered landing) profiles.
- The lack of association between cognitive and biomechanical changes suggests parallel adaptations.
- Rehabilitation should independently target both cognitive function and biomechanical performance for athletes post-ACLR.
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