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THE INFLUENCE OF KINESIOPHOBIA ON BALANCE IN THE FRONTAL PLANE OF ACLR PATIENTS

Abstract

Oliveri, T. I. DeSzily, E. Davis, B. Newton, K. Truong, R. McCulloch

Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA

PURPOSE: A large number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur every year requiring reconstructive surgery. Reinjury risk is very high, especially for females. A common outcome of (ACLR) surgery is the presence of kinesiophobia, a fear of physical movement resulting from the potential of reinjury or pain. This study aimed to analyze the connection between kinesiophobia and balance performance in ACLR. METHODS: Subjects aged 18-25 (N=12, 9F, 3M) with an ACLR in the past two years completed the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) to assess knee function, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-17) to assess kinesiophobia. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded for the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, gastrocnemius, and the bicep femoris on the ACLR and unimpaired legs. Single-leg (SL) and double-leg (DL) movements were measured on a force plate for center of pressure sway (COP Sway). EMG was normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). p:Muscle activation of the gastrocnemius in the unimpaired limb was greater than the ACLR leg during the SL Baseline (Mean difference (MD)=0.46 %) and SL Squat (MD=0.371 %) movements, respectively (p:Our findings suggest that in individuals with ACLRs, balance on their affected limb is shifted to their ankle joint, and quadriceps recruitment is shifted to their other limb. Given the prevalence of ACL injuries, clinical rehabilitation plans for ACLR that focus more on strengthening the vasti muscles and less on the activation of the gastrocnemius could prove highly beneficial.

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