Velocity specificity in early training of the knee extensors after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Resistance-training velocity specificity is known to occur in isotonic training of uninjured subjects and in isokinetic training of injured patients. Whether velocity specificity occurs with isotonic training in injured patients has not been tested, despite the common use of this exercise mode in patients. Thirty-two patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery were tested at approximately 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. The isokinetic injured/uninjured strength ratios of the knee extensors were compared for the test velocities of 60 degrees x s(-1) and 210 degrees x s(-1), as assessed before and after a 4-week training period. Isotonic training of the knee extensors at 60 degrees x s(-1) was applied in formal sessions three times per week. The isokinetic injured/uninjured strength ratios were compared for the two test velocities, and there was no indication that training velocity specificity occurred in these patients. Possible reasons for this finding, which contrasts with previous work, are discussed.