Determinants of cruciate-ligament loading during rehabilitation exercise

Abstract

Objectives. To predict and explain the pattern of cruciate-ligament loading during squatting exercises; to determine the effect of hamstrings co-contraction on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) load during squatting; and to determine the effect of the weightbearing force on ACL load during squatting. Design. Mathematical modeling of the human musculoskeletal system. Background. Squatting is a commonly prescribed exercise for strengthening the muscles of the thigh following ACL reconstruction. Although the forces induced in the ACL are purported to be low, no experimental data are available to corroborate this claim. The reason is that measurements of knee-ligament forces are difficult to obta..