Evaluation of Strength and Functional Ability of Soccer Players Two Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cross-sectional Study.

Objectives: This study examines the strength and functional capacity of active soccer players two years post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods: Sixteen players, two years post ACLR, participated. Isokinetic tests assessed Peak Torque (PT) for concentric and eccentric contractions, along with conventional (H/Qconv) and functional (H/Qfunc) H/Q ratios at various angular velocities. Functional ability was gauged through hop tests. Paired-Samples T Test compared PT and hop test values, as well as H/Qconv and H/Qfunc ratios between involved and non-involved limbs. Limb symmetry was evaluated using the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI).

Results: After two years, participants exhibited significant differences in concentric PT between limbs. The non-involved limb demonstrated superior performance at isokinetic speeds. Eccentrically, PT for knee extensors and flexors showed no significant disparities between the operated and non-operated limbs across all velocities tested. Most participants did not achieve LSI 90-110% for knee extensors and flexors. No noteworthy distinctions were observed in H/Qconv, H/Qfunc, and hop tests between limbs. The majority met LSI 90-110% in hop tests, except in the 30-second side hop (37%).

Conclusions: Two years post ACLR, soccer players still manifest strength and functional deficits, heightening the risk of injury.