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Greater strength, endurance found in quadriceps after PCL tear vs ACL tear
Compared with ACL tears, the quadriceps muscle of the injured limb had greater strength and endurance after PCL tears, according to study results.
Researchers compared quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength and endurance between 20 prospectively enrolled patients with isolated PCL tears and a retrospective, matched control group of 20 patients with isolated ACL tears. Using an isokinetic testing device, the researchers evaluated the maximal torque and total work of the quadriceps and hamstring.
The PCL tear group had higher total work and peak torque of the quadriceps muscle on the involved side vs. the ACL tear group, according to study results. However, the researchers also found hamstring muscle strength and endurance on the involved side had no significant differences between the PCL tear group and the ACL tear group.
Results showed both the ACL and PCL tear groups experienced significantly lower isokinetic maximal peak and endurance of the quadriceps and hamstring on the involved side vs. the uninvolved side. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.