Volume 83, Issue 9 (December 2025)
Tehran Univ Med J. 2025, 83(9): 623-627 |
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Piri E, Jafarnejadgro A A, JabarAli M. Running mechanics in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a review study. Tehran Univ Med J. 2025; 83 (9) :623-627
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13857-en.html
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13857-en.html
1- Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2- Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. ,amiralijafarnezhad@gmail.com
3- Department of Physical Education, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
2- Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. ,
3- Department of Physical Education, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Halabja, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Abstract: (136 Views)
Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries among active individuals and athletes. Despite advances in surgical and rehabilitation techniques, many patients exhibit persistent alterations in movement patterns, particularly during dynamic activities such as running. This narrative review aims to comprehensively examine the biomechanical changes in running following ACLR, identify contributing factors, and discuss current challenges and future directions in rehabilitation.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted through a systematic and non-systematic search of scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID. Keywords such as "ACL reconstruction," "running biomechanics," "gait analysis," "return to sport," and "neuromuscular control" were used. Studies published in English and Persian between 1999 and 2025 were included, focusing on experimental, clinical, and qualitative research related to running biomechanics after ACLR.
Results: Individuals after ACLR commonly demonstrate asymmetrical loading between limbs, characterized by reduced ground reaction forces on the involved limb. Kinematic alterations include decreased hip flexion and increased knee flexion during initial contact, along with reduced knee extension torque during push-off. Electromyographic analyses reveal delayed activation and reduced activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings, as well as impaired neuromuscular control and proprioception. These biomechanical deviations persist even after clinical recovery and return to sport, increasing the risk of re-injury and early-onset osteoarthritis.
Conclusion: Persistent biomechanical asymmetries and neuromuscular deficits during running are prevalent after ACLR and may compromise long-term joint health and athletic performance. Current rehabilitation protocols often lack biomechanically informed criteria for return to sport and fail to adequately address movement pattern correction.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted through a systematic and non-systematic search of scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID. Keywords such as "ACL reconstruction," "running biomechanics," "gait analysis," "return to sport," and "neuromuscular control" were used. Studies published in English and Persian between 1999 and 2025 were included, focusing on experimental, clinical, and qualitative research related to running biomechanics after ACLR.
Results: Individuals after ACLR commonly demonstrate asymmetrical loading between limbs, characterized by reduced ground reaction forces on the involved limb. Kinematic alterations include decreased hip flexion and increased knee flexion during initial contact, along with reduced knee extension torque during push-off. Electromyographic analyses reveal delayed activation and reduced activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings, as well as impaired neuromuscular control and proprioception. These biomechanical deviations persist even after clinical recovery and return to sport, increasing the risk of re-injury and early-onset osteoarthritis.
Conclusion: Persistent biomechanical asymmetries and neuromuscular deficits during running are prevalent after ACLR and may compromise long-term joint health and athletic performance. Current rehabilitation protocols often lack biomechanically informed criteria for return to sport and fail to adequately address movement pattern correction.
Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament, athletes, movement asymmetry, reconstruction, rehabilitation, running biomechanics.
Type of Study: Review Article |
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