Quadriceps Function, Knee Pain, and Self-Reported Outcomes in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Context:  Interactions among muscle strength, pain, and self-reported outcomes in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are not well understood. Clarifying these interactions is of clinical importance because improving physical and psychological function is thought to optimize outcomes after ACLR. Objective:  To examine the relationships among neuromuscular quadriceps function, pain, self-reported knee function, readiness to return to activity, and emotional response to injury both before and after ACLR. Design:  Descriptive laboratory study. Patients or Other Participants:  Twenty patients (11 females and 9 males; age = 20.9 ± 4.4 years, height = 172.4 ± 7.5 cm, weight = 76.2 ± 11.8 kg) who were scheduled to undergo unilateral ACLR. Main Outcome Measure(s):  Quadriceps strength, voluntary activation, and pain were measured at presurgery and return to activity, quantified using maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs), central activation ratio, and the Knee Injury and Oste...