Quadriceps strength and power recovery following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon bone autograft: A 6- and 12 month analysis

Abstract

People's Choice award winner in the oral presentations at the 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 11, 2025.Research completed in the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions.INTRODUCTION: Surgical reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon bone (QTB) autograft is a common approach using the patient's own quadriceps tendon to restore knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Understanding the timeline for quadriceps recovery of strength and power is critical. Isokinetic dynamometry measures muscle strength and power at a constant speed. Peak torque, the maximum rotational muscular force, is historically used as indicator of strength. Less is known about quadriceps muscular power. Limited data exist regarding quadriceps power recovery following QTB ACL reconstruction (ACLR). PURPOSE: To examine differences and correlations in quadriceps strength and power measures after ACLR with QTB autograft at 6- and 12 months post-surgery. METHODS: Data were collected from an ongoing prospective cohort study. Isokinetic quadriceps strength and power were measured at 6- and 12 months postoperatively. Repeated measures analysis examined differences between post-operative timepoints and limbs. Correlation analyses examined relationships between strength and power measures. RESULTS: Strength and power were higher in the uninvolved leg at both time points. The non-operative leg showed significant improvements in peak torque at 60° and 180° per second, and power at 0.18 seconds. The operative leg improved in all measurements of strength and power. Only one moderate negative correlation between peak torque at 30° and power of involved leg was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Although strength and power improved from 6- to 12 months post-ACLR with QTB, deficits in the operative leg persisted. Strength and power did not correlate well in this sample Quadriceps power may require more investigation.Graduate School, Academic Affairs, University Librarie