Date of Award

Spring 2019

Document Type

Thesis Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Athletic Training – Post Professional Concentration

Committee Chairperson

Nicole Cattano, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kenneth Clark, Ph.D.

Committee Member

John Smith, MS, LAT, ATC

Abstract

Context: There is a distinct correlation between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions and the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA).28 There are currently no disease modifying interventions for OA; so it is important to understand how the joint responds to an ACL injury. Understanding knee cartilage deformation through ultrasonography (US) may provide a better understanding of knee cartilage response to physical activity.71 Objective: See how participants with a unilateral ACL reconstructed knee responds to a running stimulus compared to healthy controls. Also, to compare biomechanical and structural responses between limbs within ACL participants. Design: Cross-sectional pre-test/post-test. Setting: Division II University athletic training facility. Participants: Sixteen females, 8 with ACL history and 8 controls. ACL participants (n=8, age: 20.75±1.83, height: 165.07±7.43, mass: 65.97±8.55) and control participants (n=8, age: 20.62±1.84, height: 166.00±5.76, mass: 63.18±4.94). Interventions: Independent variables were group and limb. Data analyzed using non-parametric independent and dependent T-tests. Spearman’s Rho correlations examined relationships between dependent variables. A priori statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05. Main Outcome Measures: Dependent variables were ground reaction forces (GRF), cartilage thickness, and patient reported outcomes (PRO). Covariates were height and weight. Results: Cartilage width reduced in all participants (p=0.000). No significant differences for cartilage deformation or GRF between limbs or groups. No significant correlations between cartilage deformation and GRF. Significant moderate negative correlations between involved cartilage percent change and KOOS Symptoms (p=0.025) and Sport/Rec (p=0.043). Conclusions: Cartilage decreased for both groups post-run. PRO statistically different between groups. Cartilage deformation correlated with KOOS Symptoms and Sport/Rec.

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