Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

Chris M. Gregory

Second Advisor

Harris S. Slone

Third Advisor

Michelle M. McLeod

Fourth Advisor

Craig A. Velozo

Fifth Advisor

Zoher F. Kapasi

Abstract

Background: Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), many individuals face undesirable neuromuscular sequela that contributes to decreased physical functioning. Objectives: 1) To describe neuromuscular variables, functional outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes that contribute to recovery following ACLR. 2) To compare outcomes between quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon autograft groups. Methods: Neuromuscular measures (quadriceps muscle size, knee extensor strength, and central activation) were correlated to measures of physical (hop testing and gait outcomes) and patient-reported function (IKDC and KOOS scores). All above variables were compared between individuals who had ACLR using quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon autografts. Lastly, a questionnaire of patient-reported knee health (KOOS-JR) was evaluated for its psychometric properties. Results: Individuals following ACLR experience declines in neuromuscular and functional outcomes, particularly in the surgical limb, and regardless of graft type. The hop test continues to be a useful indicator of neuromuscular function in the long-term following ACLR. The gait variables and patient-reported outcomes studied in this dissertation were not useful indicators of neuromuscular function. Conclusion: Taken together, the results expose the included outcomes as indicators (or not) of recovery following ACLR. Future work should focus on improving the clinical applicability and translation of measures of neuromuscular and physical functioning.

Rights

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