HAMSTRING CONTRACTILE TIMING IN ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT DEFICIENT PATIENTS

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine contractile timing of the hamstrings in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees. Ten patients were tested for hamstring contractile timing using Electromyographic (EMG) recordings during gait speeds of 3km/h and 5km/h on both a level and ten degree incline. An ANOVA analysis was used to demonstrate timing onset differences between the deficient and normal leg for each test condition and muscle onset timing was related to the Lysholm scale for perceived knee function. Significant interaction differences were found for legs and speed variations plus a negative correlation between functional scores and hamstring timing onset.