Abstract
Aims: The purpose of this study, we need to identify the balance whether is influenced by proprioception or not? Can those be used as objective measures to predict functional stability?
Materials & Methods: Twelve young adults (10 males; 2 females) with chronic ACL deficiency (6 R’t knee; 4 L’t knee) were included this test (average time from injured to test: 12.8 months). The control group was 13 normal individuals (11 males; 2 females). There were no associated injuries in both group and no significant difference about age, height and body weight. Both groups were tested on computerized balance-testing machine system (self-design), proprioception testing apparatus (self-design) and the Isokinetic Dynamometer (Con-Trex Multi Joint System, Switzerland).
Results: In ACL group, the Lachman score showed 67.7 ± 4.2 points. The difference of joint laxity between injured and uninjured knee was 9± 2 vs 3.7 ± 1.2 using K-T 1000 arthrometer. In single leg hopping test, showed significant difference (p< 0.05) between injured and uninjured leg. In proppriocetion test, the results showed significant time-delay in both TTDPM and RPP in injured knee. The results of balance test showed control group that had better tilting and unsteadiness than ACL group (P< 0.05). Correlation of TTDPM and mean tilting measurement showed significant difference (r=0.52, P< 0.05, y=0.6075x – 0.2072). There was lower correlation between RPP and mean tilting (r=0.19, p> 0.05). There was poor correlation between muscle force and mean tilting (extensor: r=0.20; flexor: r=0.22; p> 0.05). Similarly, time from injury to test correlated poorly with both proprioception (TTDPM: r=0.02; RPP: r=0.132) and balance (mean tilting: r=0.06; unsteadiness: r=0.004).
Conclusion: Loss of proprioceptive sensibility had been proved by authors study, it was rarely indicated balance function in the ACL deficiency. In our study, we had proved positive correlation between proprioception and balance. We do believe poor proproception may cause of imbalance after rupture of ACL. In future rehabilitative program, balance training must be aided for restoration and recreation the proproceptive ability around knee joint.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
