THE EFFECT OF FATIGUE ON REACTIVE STRENGTH IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTED INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

This study examined the effect of fatigue on reactive strength in six subjects who had undergone surgical repair of the anterior cruciate ligament and returned to full sporting activity. Subjects’ performance in rebound jumps on a force sledge apparatus was analysed before, during and after a maximal fatigue protocol. Flight time, contact time and reactive strength index were measured for each jump. No differences in reactive strength index were observed between legs in the non-fatigued or fatigued state. The data indicated that the subjects may recover reactive strength at a slower rate on the involved leg following maximal exercise. The data also indicates that reactive strength index is a highly suitable variable to examine during maximal SSC fatigue tasks.