Journal CME, May 2023: Association between landing biomechanics, knee pain, and kinesiophobia in athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A cross-sectional study-Journal CME, May 2023: Association between landing biomechanics, knee pain, and kinesiophobia in athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A cross-sectional study

Journal CME, May 2023: Association between landing biomechanics, knee pain, and kinesiophobia in athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A cross-sectional study

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The study titled "Association between landing biomechanics, knee pain, and kinesiophobia in athletes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction" aimed to examine the relationship among knee pain, kinesiophobia (fear of movement), and landing biomechanics in athletes post-ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Conducted at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, the cross-sectional study involved 31 athletes who had undergone primary unilateral ACLR. Participants were evaluated an average of 24 months post-surgery.<br /><br />Kinesiophobia was assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11), knee pain was measured with a numerical rating scale, and various knee function tests were employed, including joint laxity and muscle strength evaluations. Further, vertical ground reaction force and electromyography (EMG) data from the vastus medialis and semitendinosus muscles during single-leg jump landings were collected.<br /><br />Key findings revealed no significant correlation between peak vertical ground reaction force and TSK-11 scores. However, multiple regression analyses indicated that lower preparatory (pre-landing) vastus medialis muscle activity and higher knee pain intensity were significantly associated with greater kinesiophobia.<br /><br />The study underscores the importance of addressing specific biomechanical and pain-related factors to manage kinesiophobia in athletes post-ACLR. Lower preparatory vastus medialis activity was linked with poor landing control, which may contribute to increased fear of movement. Suggested interventions include neuromuscular training and pain management to support the recovery and confidence of athletes returning to sports.<br /><br />Overall, the study highlights the critical role of preparatory muscle activity and knee pain in influencing kinesiophobia, suggesting targeted rehabilitation approaches could mitigate this psychological barrier and aid in successful return-to-sport outcomes.

Keywords

landing biomechanics

knee pain

kinesiophobia

anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

athletes

Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11

vertical ground reaction force

electromyography

vastus medialis

neuromuscular training