Altered cortical activation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during single‐leg balance task. Issue 5 (10th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiganti, Max R.; Meyer, Benjamin C.; Chang, Eunwook; Romanelli, Daniel A.; An, Yong Woo
• Is Part Of: Translational sports medicine. Volume 3:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 496
• Page End: 503
• Publication Date: 2020-05-10
• Subjects: joint -- ligament injury -- physical activity; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.164
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2573-8488

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Poor balance in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) patients indicates neuromuscular control (NMC) deficits, which may be associated with altered cortical activation in the brain. This study examines cortical activation patterns in ACLR patients compared with healthy controls during a single‐leg balance task with and without visual feedback. Methods: Thirteen ACLR patients (ACLR, 23.38 ± 3.38 years) and thirteen healthy controls (CONT, 23.54 ± 3.48 years) performed a single‐leg balance task with both visual feedback (VF) and non‐visual feedback (NVF) with continuous electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Knee function was also evaluated through a subjective assessment survey. Results: Frontal theta power was significantly higher with VF compared to NVF. Significant group‐by‐condition interaction effect for parietal alpha‐2 revealed that the CONT group had increased activation with VF, whereas the ACLR group had increased activation with NVF. A negative correlation emerged between KOS‐ADL in the ACLR group with parietal alpha‐2 during NVF and occipital alpha‐2 during VF. Conclusion: ACLR patients had comparable single‐leg balance to healthy controls, yet different cortical activation patterns emerged on EEG. ACLR patients with better knee function showed greater cortical activation in the somatosensory and visual cortices. Further research should consider these cortical changes in restoration of balance after ACLR.