Deficits in single-limb stance more than 20 years after ACL injury

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the long-term effect on balance during single-limb stance after unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury across two groups who had rehabilitation including ACL reconstruction (ACLR) or a tailored physiotherapy program (ACLTPP), compared with knee-healthy controls. Methods: Single-limb stance was monitored for floor-supports with the contralateral foot. Single-limb stance without floor-supports was assessed with analyses of center of pressure (CoP) for further discrimination. Comparisons were made between ACLR (n = 28) and ACLTPP (n = 28) and with controls (n = 18). The injured and uninjured legs were compared within ACL-injured subjects. Results: Single-limb balance was equally inferior in both ACL-injured groups and on both legs compared with knee-healthy controls. In ACLR and ACLTPP, 39% and 50%, respectively, failed to stand on one leg without floor-supports with the contralateral foot. No contralateral supports occurred in knee-healthy controls. CoP measures for subjects who stood without contralateral floor-supports did not reveal any further differences. Older age and higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with larger migration of CoP. Conclusion: Inability to stand without contralateral supports showed that balance in single-limb stance was inferior in ACL-injured subjects, independently of which initial treatment that was given. Age and BMI need consideration in studies assessing balance in single-limb stance.