Back to Normal Symmetry? Biomechanical Variables Remain More Asymmetrical Than Normal During Jump and Change-of-Direction Testing 9 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

BACKGROUND: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), athletes have demonstrated performance asymmetries as compared with healthy cohorts, but little research has investigated if biomechanical asymmetries are also different during jump and change-of-direction (CoD) tasks between groups. PURPOSE: To identify if differences in magnitude of asymmetry of biomechanical and performance variables exist between these groups. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Analysis was conducted between 156 male patients 9 months after surgery and 62 healthy participants. Three-dimensional motion capture and analysis were carried out on a double-legged drop jump, a single-legged dro..