Dynamic Single-Leg Postural Control is Impaired Bilaterally Following ACL Reconstruction : Implications for Reinjury Risk

Study Design Controlled laboratory study; cross-sectional. Background Postural control following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) primarily has been investigated during static single-leg balance tasks. Little is known about dynamic postural control deficits post-ACLR. Objectives To compare dynamic postural control (bilaterally) in persons who have undergone ACLR and healthy controls, and to evaluate the relationship between dynamic postural control and self-reported and objective function. Methods 97 participants (66 males, median age 28 years) 12 months post-ACLR and 48 healthy controls (20 males, median age 30 years) underwent balance assessment using a Nintendo Wii Balance Board during a single-leg squat. Center of pressure (CoP) path velocity, as well as CoP amplitude and standard deviation (SD) in both mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) directions, were recorded. Self-reported function was assessed with the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective form (IKDC), while hop-for-distance was used to evaluate functional status. Results Compared to healthy controls, the ACLR group had greater mean CoP path velocity (16% higher, p=0.004), ML range (23%, p<0.001), ML SD (28%, p