FMAXIMUM ISOMETRIC STRENGTH IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE UNILATERAL ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE

Abstract

This study evaluated isometric leg extension strength in a group of ACL patients. The specific aims of this work were to determine whether differences in leg extension strength existed between the injured and uninjured leg, and whether a between-gender difference existed for the ratio of the maximum force generated by the injured and uninjured legs (the maximum force ratio). Thirty patients of both genders with an acute unilateral ACL rupture were recruited. Maximum isometric force was measured for both legs in a leg press machine at a knee angle of 100°. Results showed significant differences existed between the injured and uninjured legs, while no gender differences were evident for the maximum force ratio. In conclusion, an ACL rupture affects leg extension strength and including both males and females in one group may be possible in future work.