The Assessment of Quad to Quad and Hamstring to Quad Ratios in Patients Twelve to Twenty-Four Months Post Completion of a Supervised Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation Program
Context: The assessment of quadriceps to quadriceps (Q-Q) and hamstring to quadriceps (H-Q) ratios following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an important factor for returning to sport. Significant differences in these ratios can result in reinjury. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess Q-Q and H-Q ratios in collegiate athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction and have successfully completed a supervised physical therapy program in the last 12-24 months and compare the results to established normative return to play guidelines (Q-Q = 90% and H-Q = 60%). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Midwest outpatient physical therapy clinic. Patients or Other Participants: Four collegiate athletes (2 females and 2 males; age range = 19-21). Inclusion criteria included a previous ACL reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft and completion of a supervised physical therapy program in the past 12-24 months. Methods: Isokinetic strength measurement and peak torque values of knee flexion and extension between injured and uninjured legs using the Humac Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer by CSMI. The Q-Q and H-Q ratios were calculated using raw data. Main Outcome Measures: Q-Q and H-Q Ratios Results: Subject 1: Q-Q = 97%, H-Q = 62%; Subject 2: Q-Q = 109%, H-Q = 65%; Subject 3: Q-Q = 110%, H-Q = 61%; Subject 4: Q-Q = 113%, H-Q = 77%. Conclusions: Results indicate that each of the subjects met return to play normative values. Due to the small number of participants, further research is needed to discover any true discrepancies
