Leg Muscle Stays Weak Months After ACL Tear: Study
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a vital part of the knee joint, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). An ACL tear is a common injury that can occur during sports or other physical activities, leaving athletes and individuals with a significant amount of pain, swelling, and limited mobility. While the initial rehabilitation process is crucial in restoring function and preventing further injury, a new study suggests that the impact of an ACL tear can be felt for much longer than previously thought.
Published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, the study found that individuals who experienced an ACL tear often have weaker leg muscles months after the injury, even though their muscle fibers appear normal under the microscope. This surprising discovery highlights the importance of long-term strength training beyond basic rehabilitation to fully restore function and prevent future issues.
The Study
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, involved 24 individuals who had suffered an ACL tear between 6 to 60 months prior to the study. The participants were asked to undergo a series of exercises to assess their leg strength, including knee extensions, knee flexions, and ankle dorsiflexions. The researchers also took muscle biopsies from the participants’ legs to examine the muscle fibers under a microscope.
The results were striking. Despite the fact that the muscle fibers appeared normal under the microscope, the participants’ leg muscles were significantly weaker than those of a control group who had not experienced an ACL tear. The weakness was most pronounced in the quadriceps muscle, which is responsible for straightening the knee.
The Importance of Long-Term Strength Training
The study’s findings have significant implications for the rehabilitation process following an ACL tear. While basic rehabilitation programs typically focus on restoring range of motion, strength, and function within the first few months after the injury, this study suggests that the impact of the injury can be felt for much longer.
The researchers believe that the weakness in the leg muscles may be due to changes in the muscle fibers themselves, rather than just the result of disuse or atrophy. This is because the muscle fibers that were examined under the microscope appeared normal, suggesting that the weakness is not simply due to a lack of muscle mass or function.
Instead, the researchers propose that the weakness may be due to changes in the way the muscle fibers contract and produce force. This could be due to a variety of factors, including changes in the muscle’s ability to generate force, changes in the neural pathways that control muscle contraction, or changes in the way the muscle interacts with other tissues and structures in the knee joint.
The Takeaways
The study’s findings have significant implications for athletes and individuals who have experienced an ACL tear. While basic rehabilitation programs may be sufficient in the short-term, this study suggests that long-term strength training is necessary to fully restore function and prevent future issues.
Here are a few key takeaways from the study:
- ACL tears can have a lasting impact on leg strength, even months after the injury.
- Long-term strength training is necessary to fully restore function and prevent future issues.
- The weakness in the leg muscles may be due to changes in the muscle fibers themselves, rather than just the result of disuse or atrophy.
- Changes in the way the muscle fibers contract and produce force may also play a role in the weakness.
Conclusion
The study’s findings highlight the importance of long-term strength training beyond basic rehabilitation to fully restore function and prevent future issues following an ACL tear. While the initial rehabilitation process is crucial in restoring range of motion, strength, and function, this study suggests that the impact of the injury can be felt for much longer.
Athletes and individuals who have experienced an ACL tear should be aware of the potential for long-term weakness in their leg muscles and take steps to address this through long-term strength training. By doing so, they can reduce their risk of future injury and improve their overall functional ability.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/what-happens-to-your-leg-muscles-after-an-acl-tear
