Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
Early Weight-Bearing Rehabilitation Protocol After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Published on: March 1, 2024
Targeting neuromuscular deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with spinal manipulation: A
Ricardo Paredes1, Carlos Crasto2, António Mesquita Montes3
1International Doctoral School, King Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain; Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, King Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Spain; CIR, ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Santa Maria Hospital -, Porto, Portugal.
Purpose:
To investigate the effects of spinal manipulation (SM) on neuromuscular activation patterns during single-leg vertical drop landing (VDL) in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).
Methods:
A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Twenty individuals with ACLR were randomly assigned to a SM group (SMG, n = 10) or a control group (CG, n = 10). Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data were collected during VDL at baseline and 10 min post-intervention. Statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of 0.05.
Results:
Significant group × time × phase interactions were found for semitendinosus muscle activity and vastus medialis:semitendinosus co-contraction (p < 0.05). Post hoc analyses revealed reduced preparatory-phase muscle activity and co-contraction in the SMG compared with the CG following the intervention. Additional differences in muscle activity and co-contraction were observed (p < 0.05), although no significant interactions were identified. The SMG also exhibited greater knee flexion and increased knee abduction compared with the CG (p < 0.05). No additional significant between-group differences were identified (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
A single session of SM was associated with neuromuscular and biomechanical changes during landing in individuals with ACLR, supporting its potential as a complementary approach in rehabilitation.
Clinicaltrials:
govIdentifier:NCT07032623.
