No Difference in Static Postural Stability Bilaterally or Versus Control at 12 Weeks after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

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Abstract
Background: Comparing static postural stability between the involved and uninvolved legs in individuals 12 weeks after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), and against healthy controls, may provide insight into rehabilitation progression. Purpose: To compare static single-leg postural stability between the injured and uninjured legs of individuals 12 weeks post ACLR, and to a control group of healthy, physically active individuals. Study Design: Case-control study Methods: Twenty-nine participants (17 male, 12 female; age = 20.9 ± 5.0) 12 weeks post ACLR and 87 healthy controls (51 male, 36 female; age = 19.4 ± 1.2) volunteered. Static single-leg postural stability was assessed using an AMTI force plate under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. Ground reaction force in three directions were recorded for each condition. Comparisons were made between the ACLR group and controls, as well as between the involved and uninvolved legs within the ACLR group. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed rank tests identified significant differences, and effect sizes were computed. Results: There were no significant differences within the ACLR group or between the ACLR and control groups for any static postural stability variable. Conclusions: Under the specific static postural stability test administered, individuals 12 weeks post ACLR did not show significant differences in static postural stability between their involved and uninvolved legs, or when compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest that static postural stability is either not significantly impacted by ACLR or that deficits resolve by 12 weeks post-surgery and may not need to be a primary focus of early rehabilitation. Alternatively, it is also possible that the challenge imposed in the current study was not sufficient to challenge the components required for postural stability and clinicians should consider integrating more difficult tasks. Level of Evidence: 3

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