Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2024, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (8): 948-956.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2024.08.010

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Risk assessment of return to sport based on gait data of athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ZHOU Yiwen1, ZHONG Yaping1,2(), WEI Mengli1,2, WANG Haifeng1, YU Shaohua1, GUI Huixian1   

  1. 1. Sports Big Data Research Center, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
    2. Hubei Sports and Health Innovation and Development Research Center, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
  • Received:2024-06-20 Published:2024-08-25 Online:2024-09-11
  • Supported by:
    Hubei Provincial Education Reform Project(2022395);National Social Science Foundation-later Stage (Key)(22FTYA001)

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the risk of return to sport in athletes using their gait data following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods From May to June, 2023, 39 athletes after ACLR were recruited in Wuhan Sports University. Their data on stable gait and tandem gait were recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system, surface electromyography and a three-dimensional ergometer table. Additionally, return-to-sport scores were calculated using the K-STARTS test. The relationship between each gait indicator and the total score of the K-STARTS test was analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis. Furthermore, the key indicators related to the risk of return to sport were analyzed using linear regression.

Results In the stable gait test, the step time was negatively correlated with the total score of K-STARTS (r = -0.479, P = 0.002), and the peak amplitude symmetry index of rectus femoris (r= 0.448, P = 0.004) and vastus lateralis (r= 0.595, P = 0.001) were positively correlated with the total score of K-STARTS. In the tandem gait test, the lateral displacement distance of the center of gravity was negatively correlated with the total score of K-STARTS (r = -0.341, P= 0.034), and the time symmetry index of peak amplitude of vastus lateralis was positively correlated with the total score of K-STARTS (r= 0.320, P = 0.047). Regression analysis showed that the interpretation of the model based on stable gait (F = 15.818, P= 0.001, R2 = 0.650) was better than that based on tandem gait (F = 7.692, P = 0.001, R2 = 0.397).

Conclusions In stable gait, gait rhythm variability and symmetry are correlated with return to sport risk. In tandem gait, gait balance and symmetry indexes are correlated with return-to-sport risk. Compared with tandem gait, the interpretation of return-to-sport risk assessment model based on stable gait information is better, and may be more suitable as a simple return-to-sport risk test method.

Key words: anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, return to sport, gait, risk assessment model, athlete, sports injury

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