DOI: 10.1177/19417381261486269 ISSN: 1941-7381

Horizontal and Multidirectional Single-Leg Hop Tests Predict Isokinetic Quadriceps and Hamstring Strengths After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Ayşe Birsu Topcugil Kırık, Enes Akdemir, Emre Karaduman, Nizamettin Güzel, Ahmet Serhat Genç, Berna Anıl, Esra Korkmaz Salkılıç, Lokman Kehribar, Yılmaz Önder, Ali Kerim Yılmaz

Background:

After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), isokinetic strength and single-leg hop tests (SLHT) are used to assess return to sport readiness. This study examined the relationships and predictive effects of isokinetic knee extension (Ex) and flexion (Flx) strength with 5 SLHTs at 6 to 8 months post-ACLR.

Hypothesis:

There would be significant correlation between knee Ex and Flx strengths on the operated side and 5 different SLHTs; SLHTs would significantly predict knee isokinetic Ex and Flx strength.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Fifty-one male participants underwent unilateral ACLR. Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Tegner scales were assessed preoperatively and 6 to 8 months postoperatively. At the same follow-up, isokinetic strength at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s and 5 SLHTs were tested on both limbs. Data were analyzed with paired t tests, Pearson correlations, Fisher’s exact test, and simple linear regression; limb symmetry index (LSI) cut-off was ≥85%.

Results:

Isokinetic strength and single-leg hop (SH), crossover hop, and medial side triple-hop (TH) distances did not differ significantly between limbs ( P > 0.05), whereas TH and 90° medial rotation hop distances were significantly shorter on the operated side ( P < 0.05). Participants’ Lysholm and IKDC scores improved significantly at 6 to 8 months post-ACLR ( P < 0.001), but Tegner activity level did not change significantly ( P > 0.05). High correlation was found between Ex strength at 60°/s and SH and TH distances on the operated side, and high-moderate correlations were found at 180°/s and 240°/s. Flx strengths showed a similar but slightly lower degree of correlation. Simple linear regression models revealed that especially SH and TH distances significantly predicted both Ex and Flx strengths (adjusted R 2 0.26-0.52; P < 0.001). Among the LSI values, only a significant correlation was found between 60°/s Ex and TH LSI ratio ( P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

The findings show that SH and TH tests were highly predictive of isokinetic knee strength after ACLR.

Clinical Relevance:

SLHTs after ACLR can be used as a practical and accessible complement to isokinetic measurements.

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