The Efficacy of Blood Flow Restriction Training to Improve Quadriceps Muscle Function after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a popular rehabilitation intervention after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, there are a lack of clinical trials establishing the efficacy of using BFRT during rehabilitation to improve quadriceps muscle function.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of blood flow restriction training to improve quadriceps muscle strength, morphology, and physiology, and knee biomechanics in individuals after ACLR in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT03364647).

Effect of Sampling Rate, Filtering, and Torque Onset Detection on Quadriceps Rate of Torque Development and Torque Steadiness.

Quadriceps rate of torque development (RTD) and torque steadiness are valuable metrics for assessing explosive strength and the ability to control force over a sustained period of time, which can inform clinical assessments of knee function. Despite their widespread use, there is a significant gap in standardized methodology for measuring these metrics, which limits their utility in comparing outcomes across different studies and populations. To address these gaps, we evaluated the influence of sampling rates, signal filtering, and torque onset detection on RTD and torque steadiness.

The Relationship of Open- and Closed-Kinetic-Chain Rate of Force Development With Jump Performance Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose: To determine between-limbs differences in isometric rate of force development (RFD) measured during open- (OKC) and closed-kinetic-chain (CKC) strength testing and establish which method had the strongest relationship to single-leg vertical-jump performance and knee mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods: Subjects (n = 19) 1 to 5 years from ACL reconstruction performed isometric knee extensions (OKC), unilateral isometric midthigh pulls (CKC), and single-leg vertical jumps on the ACL-involved and -noninvolved limbs. Between-limbs differences were assessed using paired t tests, and the relationship between RFD, jump performance, and knee mechanics was assessed using correlation coefficients (r; P ≤ .

Muscle Fiber Cross-Sectional Area Is Associated With Quadriceps Strength and Rate of Torque Development After ACL Injury.

Graham, MC, Thompson, KL, Hawk, GS, Fry, CS, and Noehren, B. Muscle fiber cross-sectional area is associated with quadriceps strength and rate of torque development after ACL injury. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): e273-e279, 2024-The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between muscle fiber type-specific properties of the vastus lateralis and quadriceps muscle performance in individuals after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.

Relationship Between Quadriceps Strength and Knee Joint Power During Jumping After ACLR.

Background: Knee joint power is significantly impaired during the propulsive phase of jumping after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); however, it is currently unknown how quadriceps strength influences knee joint power.

Purpose: To (1) evaluate the relationship between quadriceps strength, joint power, and the percentage contribution of the hip, knee, and ankle joints to total limb power during the propulsive phase of jumping and (2) establish a quadriceps strength cutoff value for maximizing the likelihood of having knee joint power characteristics similar to healthy participants.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.