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Eccentric kinetic chain exercise as a conservative means of functionally rehabilitating chronic isolated cruciate ligament insuffiency

University of British Columbia

Chronic, isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) insufficiency can present several complications including patellofemoral pain, difficulty with stair descent and sudden changes in direction. The purpose of the present study was to develop a home, eccentric kinetic chain exercise program that improves strength, function and symptomatology. Thirteen, isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injured subjects and thirteen, healthy sedentary individuals were included in the study. The PCL group underwent 12 weeks of prescribed eccentric squat exercise. The healthy, sedentary group did not undergo exercise intervention. Both groups executed: the Tegner Hop Test, Lysholm Knee Scale Score and Kinetic Communicator isokinetic testing. All tests were administered at 0, 6, and 12-weeks of the investigation. Four relationships were explored to analyze the effectiveness of the "eccentric rehabilitation program and to define significant differences (p<0.05) between healthy and PCL-injured subjects. Subject X Treatment data analysis clearly indicated that there were significant increases in eccentric quadricep and hamstring torque over the twelve week period. Tegner Hop Test and Lysholm Knee Scale scores also increased significantly following the eccentric squat program. Quadricep, eccentric/concentric ratios (@ 60 & 120 degrees per second) increased significantly after twelve weeks of rehabilitation. Significant strength differences did not exist between either extremity in the PCL group at any time throughout the course of this study. Prior to rehabilitation, there were no significant differences between eccentric and concentric torque values in the quadriceps, or hamstrings, of the PCL-injured group. Following the eccentric squat program, the injured extremity, quadriceps did exhibit a significantly greater eccentric torque than concentric torque. The PCL group was significantly weaker than the control group in quadriceps, eccentric torque (@60 & 120 degrees per second), at week 0. The 12-week program resulted in there being no significant differences between PCL and control groups in eccentric, quadriceps torque. The results of this investigation strongly support the eccentric squat program as a viable means of functionally rehabilitating chronic PCL-insufficiency with eccentric kinetic chain exercise.

Thesis/Dissertation

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2009-01-27

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/3915

Human Kinetics

University of British Columbia

UBCV

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