Persistent sensorial deficits after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction might lead to muscle weakness, balance and functional performance disorders. Several studies inquire whether these alterations also appear in the uninjured limb and whether the latter could be used as reference for patient assessment. The aim of the present study was to compare knee extensor and flexor torque, balance and functional performance of non-injured lower limb, after contralateral ACL reconstruction, with lower limbs of healthy subjects. Twenty-three male patients who had had ACL reconstruction, and 22 control subjects were assessed as to knee flexor and extensor torque during concentric isokinetic contraction at 60o/s with an isokinetic dynamometer, mean speed of centre of pressure swing during single-limb stance, and submitted to two hop tests to assess functional performance. Results showed no significant differences between uninjured side and healthy subjects lower limbs at all assessed variables (p>0.05). These findings suggest that the uninjured limb may be safely used as reference in studies to assess post-ACL patients.
Anterior cruciate ligament; Knee injuries; Muscle strength; Torque
