Compensation in ACL injury

Summary:

It is not possible to predict the natural outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. One might need an ACL reconstruction to participate in sports or to control instability in daily life (non-coper), whilst the other may be able to live without functional instability (coper). Besides some will adapt their activities to prevent complaints (adapter).

These differences can only exist if there is any compensation for the lack of the anatomical ligament. The body is apparently able to adapt to the ACL deficiency by muscle power and neurophysiological changes.

Aim of the research is to describe the differences between a non-coper, a coper and an adapter. The parameters of interest are muscle activity and proprioception. Gait analysis will be used with electromyography and kinematics. Furthermore a new method has been developed to measure the proprioception. This instrument will be tested regarding reliability and validity. Ultimately a parameter might be developed to predict the outcome of the acute ACL injury.