The influence of functional shortening of hamstring muscles and rectus femoris muscle on proprioception of knee joint in patients after ACL rupture
 
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1
Department of Anatomy, School of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
 
2
Fizjosport, Gliwice, Poland
 
3
The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
 
4
Audical sp. z o.o., Poland
 
5
Galen-Orthopaedics, Bierun, Poland
 
 
Ann. Acad. Med. Siles. 2018;72:95-100
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The aim of this study is to demonstrate the relationship between functional shortening of the rectus femoris muscle, hamstring muscle and knee proprioception in patients after anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] rupture.

Material and methods:
A group of 35 men with ACL rupture (without ACL reconstruction), aged 18 to 43 years (28 ± 7.4 years) was enrolled in the study. Firstly, the functional shortening of above mentioned muscles was evaluated in both healthy and injured lower limbs. Knee joint proprioception was assessed using a BTE Primus RS by examining the angular deviation from the center of the kinetic range in the knee joint with and without visual inspection.

Results:
A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the functional shortening of the hamstrings and the proprioception of the flexion motion assessed under conditions without visual inspection. In addition, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between the functional shortening of the rectus femoris muscle of the injured lower limb and proprioception of the knee flexion movement assessed under conditions without visual inspection.

Conclusions:
A deficit of knee proprioception correlates with the functional shortening of the thigh muscles. Patients with functional shortening of the rectus femoris have better knee proprioception. Patients with functional shortening of hamstrings have worse knee proprioception.

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