Effects of augmented feedback on landing mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in collegiate females compared to healthy controls

Abstract

Objective: To analyze if immediate visual and verbal feedback influenced landing mechanics during single and dual-task conditions in recreationally active females with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr) compared to healthy controls.

Design: Cross-sectional cohort study.

Setting: Motion Laboratory.

Participants: 33 college-aged females with two to five years status post-ACLr and 33 matched health controls.

Materials and methods: 30 Drop landings were performed over one single session with immediate post-trial feedback followed by a retention trial on peak vGRF and symmetry.

Main outcome measures: Vertical ground reaction forces (vGRFs) during drop landing from a 50-cm platform and loading rate (LR) normalized to body weight.

Results: For peak vGRF, there was a time effect from baseline, post-test, and transfer task trials. Based on baseline, post-test, and transfer tasks, there was a significant group-by-time interaction between the ACLr and a healthy group. For peak vGRF asymmetry, there was no time effect from baseline, post-test, and transfer task trials. There was a significant group effect for peak vGRF asymmetry. Total LR did not show a time effect from baseline, post-test, and transfer task. The ACLr group demonstrated higher LR compared to the health group.

Conclusions: Results demonstrated a reduction in peak vGRF and asymmetry in vGRF during drop landings with the inclusion of augmented feedback. The ACLr group demonstrated higher LR than the control group. Rehabilitation specialists may be able to incorporate targeted feedback as an intervention to help resolve landing asymmetries following ACLr.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament; Augmented feedback; Drop landing; Motor learning.