Type III Salter-Harris Fracture After an Onside Kick.

A 14-year-old male football player consulted a sports physical therapist 1 week after being kicked in the front part of his left knee as he was trying to recover an onside kick. Because of these findings in a 14-year-old adolescent, a radiological examination was recommended to rule out a tibia eminence or growth-plate fracture. Radiographs revealed a nondisplaced type III Salter-Harris fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(6):511. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7868.

Jump-landing differences between varsity, club, and intramural athletes: the Jump-ACL Study.

Abnormal movement patterns have been identified as important prospective risk factors for lower extremity injury, including anterior cruciate ligament injury. Specifically, poor neuromuscular control during the early landing phase has been associated with increased injury risk. Although it is commonly assumed that higher division collegiate athletes generally exhibit better movement patterns than lower division athletes, few studies compare the biomechanical differences on basic tasks such as jump landing between various levels of athletic groups. The objective of this study was to evaluate jump-landing and fitness differences among college-aged Intramural, Competitive Club, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level athletes. Two hundred seventy-seven student-athletes (222 men, 55 women; age 19.3 ± 0.8 years) categorized as NCAA Division I, Competitive Club, or Intramural level athletes were evaluated during a jump-landing task using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), a validated qualitative movement assessment. Fitness was measured using the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). Results showed no significant differences in landing errors between the levels of athletic group (F(2,267) = 0.36, p = 0.70). There was a significant difference in landing errors between genders (F(1,268) = 3.99, p = 0.05). Significant differences in APFT scores were observed between level of athletic group (F(2,267) = 11.14, p < 0.001) and gender (F(1,268) = 9.27, p = 0.003). There was no significant correlation between the APFT and LESS scores (p = 0.26). In conclusion, higher level athletes had better physical fitness as measured by the APFT but did not as a group exhibit better landing technique. The implications of this research suggest that "high-risk" movement patterns are prevalent in all levels of athletes.

Isometric shoulder strength reference values for physically active collegiate males and females.

BACKGROUND: It is common clinical practice to assess muscle strength during examination of patients following shoulder injury or surgery. Strength comparisons are often made between the patient's injured and uninjured shoulders, with the uninjured side used as a reference without regard to upper extremity dominance. Despite the importance of strength measurements, little is known about expected normal baselines of the uninjured shoulder. The purpose of this study was to report normative values for isometric shoulder strength for physically active college-age men and women without history of shoulder injury. METHODS: University students-546 males (18.8 ± 1.0 years, 75.3 ± 12.2 kg) and 73 females (18.7 ± 0.9 years, 62.6 ± 7.0 kg)-underwent thorough shoulder evaluations by an orthopaedic surgeon and completed bilateral isometric strength measurements with a handheld dynamometer. Variables measured included internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, supine internal rotation and external rotation at 45°, and lower trapezius in prone flexion. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the dominant and nondominant shoulder for internal rotation, internal rotation at 45°, abduction, and prone flexion in males and in internal rotation at 45° and prone flexion for females (P ≤ 0.01).

Immediate effects of lumbopelvic manipulation and lateral gluteal kinesio taping on unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the immediate effects of Kinesio taping directed to the hip and manipulation directed to the lumbopelvic region in individuals with unilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). BACKGROUND: PFPS affects up to 25% of the general population. Despite the high prevalence, this condition is not clearly understood, as evidenced by the numerous proposed causes and recommended treatments. Notwithstanding, recent evidence suggests that treatments directed at the hip or spine may lead to beneficial results. METHODS: A convenience sample of 18 participants (12 men and 6 women, 19.5 ± 1.15 years old) with unilateral PFPS was recruited. Participants were randomized by sex to 1 of 3 groups: Kinesio taping, manipulation, and control taping. The main outcome measures included the Y-balance test, squatting range of motion (ROM), and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. RESULTS: Compared with the lumbopelvic manipulation and control groups, those in the Kinesio taping group performed significantly better on the Y-balance test (F = 5.59, P = 0.02) and with squatting ROM (F = 3.93, P = 0.04). The Kinesio taping and lumbopelvic groups were also significantly better than the control (sham) group with double-leg squatting ROM performance 3 days later. CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping may facilitate gluteus medius activation and improve postural stability and a double-leg squat. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The improvement in affected limb reach and double-leg squatting ROM highlights the potential for Kinesio taping to improve gluteus medius activation. Lumbopelvic manipulation may also immediately improve rehabilitation programs for PFPS.

Lisfranc injury in a west point cadet.

BACKGROUND: Lisfranc joint injuries are fairly uncommon; however, few injuries hold such an elevated potential for devastating chronic secondary pain and disability. It is imperative when evaluating an injury to the ankle or foot to have a high clinical index of suspicion for Lisfranc injury, as physical examination findings are often subtle. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 18-year-old military cadet reported to a direct-access sports physical therapy clinic with foot pain. Despite negative radiographic findings, there was a high suspicion for Lisfranc injury based on the injury mechanism and physical examination. A computed tomography scan demonstrated an oblique fracture through the base of the third metatarsal, a small marginal fracture at the plantar base of the second metatarsal, and a subtle diastasis. Two days following his injury, he underwent an open reduction and internal fixation, completed subsequent rehabilitation, and returned to full activity approximately 1 year following injury. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of Lisfranc injuries is imperative for proper management and prevention of a poor functional outcome. If a strong clinical suspicion exists, negative radiographic findings are insufficient to rule out a Lisfranc injury, and therefore, advanced imaging is required.

Evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal chest wall pain in a military athlete.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Athletes reporting chest pain are challenging to diagnose and equally challenging to treat. The majority of chest pain is musculoskeletal in origin, yet differentiating these from other more serious conditions should be the initial primary focus. The ability to reproduce the patient's symptoms aids in the differential diagnostic process. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the use of dry needling (DN) to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of focal chest wall pain. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: A 22 year-old male military athlete with anterior chest pain, refractory to traditional physical therapy, was evaluated and treated with dry needling. OUTCOMES: Favorable results were achieved as demonstrated by clinically meaningful improvements in the Patient Specific Functional Scale, the Global Rating of Change score, and his physical performance which allowed this athlete to return to competition and military training. CONCLUSION: Dry needling in the hands of properly trained providers may aid in diagnosis and treatment of focal chest wall syndromes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, Level 4.

Exploration of the y-balance test for assessment of upper quarter closed kinetic chain performance.

BACKGROUND: Although upper extremity (UE) closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises have become commonplace in most rehabilitation programs, a clinically meaningful UE CKC functional test of unilateral ability has continued to be elusive. OBJECTIVES: To examine reliability of the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT), evaluate the effects of arm dominance on UQYBT performance, and to determine how the UQYBT is related to specific components of the test (trunk rotation, core stability and UE function and performance) in a college-aged population. METHODS: A sample of healthy college students performed the UQYBT and a series of 6 additional dynamic tests designed to assess trunk rotation, core stability, and UE performance. The relationship of these tests compared to the UQYBT was assessed. The effect of upper limb dominance for the UQYBT was also explored. Finally, test re-test reliability was established for the UQYBT. RESULTS: Thirty subjects (24 males, 6 females, mean ages 19.5 6 1.2 and 18.8 6 0.8 years) were assessed during the study. The test re-test reliability was excellent for UQYBT measurements (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). A significant (p <0.05) fair to moderate association was observed between the UQYBT and several core stability and UE functional tests. There was no significant difference in UQYBT performance between dominant and non-dominant limbs. DISCUSSION: The UQYBT is a reliable UE CKC test that can be used to assess unilateral UE function in a closed chain manner. The UQYBT appears to be most related to dynamic tests involving core stability and UE performance. Similarity on the UQYBT between dominant and non-dominant limbs indicates that performance on this test using a non-injured UE may serve as a reasonable measure for "normal" when testing an injured UE. Future research is needed to determine the clinical applicability of the UQYBT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Diagnosis of an isolated posterior malleolar fracture in a young female military cadet: a resident case report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ankle is the most commonly injured joint during athletic activity. While ankle sprains are certainly the most common injury, ankle fractures can occur frequently. One type of ankle fracture with a reportedly low incidence is the isolated posterior malleolar fracture. Because of the low incidence, isolated posterior malleolar fractures can present a diagnostic challenge. The purpose of this case report is to describe the diagnostic process used for this rare injury that occurred in a physically active college-aged female who injured her ankle when landing from a fall during performance on a military obstacle course. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 19 year old female United States Military Academy cadet presented to a direct access physical therapy clinic. She was limping, not using any assistive device, and was wearing an ace bandage around her right ankle/foot. Two days earlier she fell from a "10 foot high" structure while performing the military obstacle course. She did not recall details of impact, but she was told by several bystanders that it appeared that she landed on her right foot followed immediately by a transition to her buttocks and then to her back. OUTCOMES: Ottawa Ankle Rules and ligamentous testing were negative; however, she was tender to palpation just anterior to the achilles tendon and lateral to the posterior edge of the medial malleolus. Based on mechanism of injury and tenderness of the posterior ankle, a potential posterior ankle fracture was suspected and subsequently confirmed by radiographic studies of the ankle including standard radiographs and computerized tomography. DISCUSSION: While the Ottawa Ankle Rules are generally effective in detecting many types of ankle fractures, clinicians should not rely solely on such prediction rules. This case highlights the importance of completing a thorough history and performing a thorough physical examination. This case report focuses on differential diagnosis. It is important to consider all aspects of the patient evaluation process collectively instead of examination pieces individually.

Dorsal triquetrum fracture.

The patient was a 39-year-old man who self-referred to a physical therapist with a chief complaint of right wrist pain after falling backward onto an outstretched right hand the previous day. Based on the suspicion of a fracture, right wrist radiographs (posterior-to-anterior, lateral, and oblique views) were completed, which revealed a comminuted dorsal triquetrum fracture. The patient was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who recommended nonoperative management.

Forefoot running improves pain and disability associated with chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Anterior compartment pressures of the leg as well as kinematic and kinetic measures are significantly influenced by running technique. It is unknown whether adopting a forefoot strike technique will decrease the pain and disability associated with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in hindfoot strike runners. HYPOTHESIS: For people who have CECS, adopting a forefoot strike running technique will lead to decreased pain and disability associated with this condition. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Ten patients with CECS indicated for surgical release were prospectively enrolled. Resting and postrunning compartment pressures, kinematic and kinetic measurements, and self-report questionnaires were taken for all patients at baseline and after 6 weeks of a forefoot strike running intervention. Run distance and reported pain levels were recorded. A 15-point global rating of change (GROC) scale was used to measure perceived change after the intervention. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of forefoot run training, mean postrun anterior compartment pressures significantly decreased from 78.4 ± 32.0 mm Hg to 38.4 ± 11.5 mm Hg. Vertical ground-reaction force and impulse values were significantly reduced. Running distance significantly increased from 1.4 ± 0.6 km before intervention to 4.8 ± 0.5 km 6 weeks after intervention, while reported pain while running significantly decreased. The Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) significantly increased from 49.9 ± 21.4 to 90.4 ± 10.3, and the Lower Leg Outcome Survey (LLOS) significantly increased from 67.3 ± 13.7 to 91.5 ± 8.5. The GROC scores at 6 weeks after intervention were between 5 and 7 for all patients. One year after the intervention, the SANE and LLOS scores were greater than reported during the 6-week follow-up. Two-mile run times were also significantly faster than preintervention values. No patient required surgery. CONCLUSION: In 10 consecutive patients with CECS, a 6-week forefoot strike running intervention led to decreased postrunning lower leg intracompartmental pressures. Pain and disability typically associated with CECS were greatly reduced for up to 1 year after intervention. Surgical intervention was avoided for all patients.

Lateral abdominal muscle symmetry in collegiate single-sided rowers.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Although side to side symmetry of lateral abdominal muscle thickness has been established in healthy individuals, it is unknown whether abdominal muscle symmetry exists in athletes with asymmetrical physiological demands, such as those of single-sided rowers. The purpose of this study was to examine the oarside versus the non-oarside lateral abdominal musculature thickness in collegiate single-sided rowers, as measured by ultrasound imaging (USI). METHODS: The study was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational design. Thirty collegiate crew team members (17 males, 13 females, age 19.8±1.2 years) characterized as single-sided rowers participated. Resting muscle thickness measurements of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles were obtained via USI. Comparisons of absolute and relative muscle thickness between oarside and non-oarside were performed using paired t-tests. Potential differences based on gender, rowing experience, and history of low back pain were investigated using mixed model analysis of variance. RESULTS: There were no clinically significant differences in absolute or relative thickness of the TrA, IO or EO on the oarside versus the non-oarside. There were no significant side to side differences in the relative muscle thickness of the TrA, IO or EO based on gender, rowing experience, or history of low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of single-sided rowing athletes, no clinically significant side to side differences in lateral abdominal muscle thickness were observed. Despite the asymmetrical functional demands of single-sided rowers in this study, thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles was symmetric. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Effects of forefoot running on chronic exertional compartment syndrome: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition that occurs almost exclusively with running whereby exercise increases intramuscular pressure compromising circulation, prohibiting muscular function, and causing pain in the lower leg. Currently, a lack of evidence exists for the effective conservative management of CECS. Altering running mechanics by adopting forefoot running as opposed to heel striking may assist in the treatment of CECS, specifically with anterior compartment symptoms. CASE DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this case series is to describe the outcomes for subjects with CECS through a systematic conservative treatment model focused on forefoot running. Subject one was a 21 y/o female with a 4 year history of CECS and subject two was a 21 y/o male, 7 months status-post two-compartment right leg fasciotomy with a return of symptoms and a new onset of symptoms on the contralateral side. OUTCOME: Both subjects modified their running technique over a period of six weeks. Kinematic and kinetic analysis revealed increased step rate while step length, impulse, and peak vertical ground reaction forces decreased. In addition, leg intracompartmental pressures decreased from pre-training to post-training. Within 6 weeks of intervention subjects increased their running distance and speed absent of symptoms of CECS. Follow-up questionnaires were completed by the subjects at 7 months following intervention; subject one reported running distances up to 12.87 km pain-free and subject two reported running 6.44 km pain-free consistently 3 times a week. DISCUSSION: This case series describes a potentially beneficial conservative management approach to CECS in the form of forefoot running instruction. Further research in this area is warranted to further explore the benefits of adopting a forefoot running technique for CECS as well as other musculoskeletal overuse complaints.

Deep vein thrombosis in a young marathon athlete.

STUDY DESIGN: Resident's case problem. BACKGROUND: A 21-year-old athletic male college student presented to a direct-access physical therapy clinic with complaints of left calf pain 4 days in duration. After initial examination, a working diagnosis of calf strain was formulated. Three days following initial examination, the patient reported 80% improvement in symptoms and was performing activities of daily living pain free. Four weeks later, the patient returned with complaints of reoccurring calf pain. The patient's signs, symptoms, and history at subsequent follow-up no longer presented a consistent clinical picture of calf strain; therefore, a D-dimer assay was ordered to rule out a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DIAGNOSIS: The D-dimer was elevated so the patient was admitted to the hospital and started on low-molecular-weight heparin. A compression ultrasound revealed an extensive left superficial femoral and popliteal DVT in this otherwise healthy athlete. DISCUSSION: Lower extremity DVT is a serious and potentially fatal disorder. Physical therapists need to be diagnostically vigilant for vascular pathology in all patients with extremity pain and swelling. Employing the best current evidenced-based screening tools to rule out vascular pathology, such as deep and superficial vein pathology, should be the goal of every clinician. The Wells score is one such screening tool that has proven to be beneficial in this area. This case report presents a dilemma in diagnosis and illustrates the importance of revisiting differential diagnoses with each patient encounter. Clinicians must consider the possibility of a DVT with every patient seen with posterior leg pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnosis, level 4. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3823.

Reliability and exploration of the side-lying thoraco-lumbar rotation measurement (strm).

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical Measurement, Reliability, Descriptive Study OBJECTIVES: To establish intrarater and interrater reliability of the Side-lying Thoraco-lumbar Rotation Measurement (STRM) and to explore frequencies and magnitude of rotational differences that exist in various musculoskeletal conditions. BACKGROUND: Limitation in thoracic rotation could lead to increased motion at adjacent areas (i.e., shoulders and low back). This could potentially lead to excessive strain and subsequent injury from repetitive stress. Currently, there is no well-established method to reliably measure and objectively quantify thoraco-lumbar spine rotation. METHODS: Intrarater reliability was assessed by a single investigator performing three STRM measurements on 10 participants on two consecutive days. Interrater reliability was assessed by two independent examiners, performing the STRM on 30 participants. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) statistic. To explore the incidence and magnitude of side-to-side thoraco-lumbar rotation differences, the STRM was measured on 156 participants of various musculoskeletal conditions. RESULTS: The intrarater reliability of the STRM was excellent (ICC=.94). The interrater reliability was good (ICC=.88). Fifty four percent of the sample exhibited greater than a 10% side-to-side difference in the STRM while twenty percent exhibited greater than a 20% side-to-side difference. CONCLUSION: The STRM can be used as a reliable and objective method to quantify thoraco-lumbar spine rotation. It also appears that a large percentage of patients with varied musculoskeletal complaints may have greater than a 10-20% asymmetry in spinal rotational movement. Future research is needed to determine the clinical applicability and relevance of these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Associations between three clinical assessment tools for postural stability.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical Measurement, Correlation, Reliability OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between the Single Leg Balance (SLB), modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS), and modified Star Excursion Balance (mSEBT) tests and secondarily to assess inter-rater and test-retest reliability of these tests. BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains often result in chronic instability and dysfunction. Several clinical tests assess postural deficits as a potential cause of this dysfunction; however, limited information exists pertaining to the relationship that these tests have with one another. METHODS: Two independent examiners measured the performance of 34 healthy participants completing the SLB Test, mBESS test, and mSEBT at two different time periods. The relationship between tests was assessed using the Pearson Correlation and Fisher's Exact Tests. Inter-rater and test-retest reliability were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa statistics. RESULTS: A significant correlation (r = -0.35) was observed between the mSEBT and the mBESS. Fisher's Exact Test showed a significant association between the SLB Test and mBESS (P = .048), but no association between the SLB and mSEBT (P = 1.000). Inter-rater reliability was excellent for the mSEBT and fair for the mBESS (ICCs of .91 and .61 respectively). Excellent agreement was observed between raters for the SLB test (k = 1.00). Test-retest reliability was excellent for the mSEBT (ICC = 0.98) and fair for the mBESS (ICC = 0.74). There was poor test-retest agreement for the SLB test (k = .211). CONCLUSION: THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP OBSERVED BETWEEN THE SLB TEST, MBESS TEST, AND MSEBT: however; strength of association measures showed limited overlap between these tests. This suggests that these tests are interrelated but may not assess equal components of postural stability.

High intensity eccentric resistance training decreases bradykinesia and improves Quality Of Life in persons with Parkinson's disease: a preliminary study.

Persons with Parkinson disease (PD) often demonstrate bradykinesia during mobility tasks. Bradykinesia combined with other PD-related movement deficits may contribute to self-reported reductions in quality of life. At this time, no studies have examined the effects of resistance exercise as an intervention to reduce bradykinesia and improve self-reported quality of life. Therefore, we examined changes in muscle force production, clinical measures of bradykinesia, and quality of life following 12 weeks of a high intensity eccentric resistance exercise program in persons with mild to moderate PD. Twenty individuals with idiopathic PD were matched into an experimental or an active control group. All participants were tested prior to and following a 12-week intervention period. The experimental group performed high intensity quadriceps contractions on an eccentric ergometer 3 days a week for 12 weeks. The active control group participated in an evidence based exercise program of PD. The outcome variables were quadriceps muscle force, clinical bradykinesia measures (gait speed, timed up and go) and disease specific quality of life (Parkinson's disease questionnaire-39 [PDQ-39]). Data was analyzed using separate 2 (group) x 2 (time period) ANOVAs. Results demonstrated significant time by group interaction effects for gait speed, timed up and go, and the composite PDQ-39 score (p < 0.05). Muscle force, bradykinesia, and QOL were improved to a greater degree in those that performed high intensity eccentric resistance training compared to an active control group. Additional research is needed to determine if this type of training has long-term impact and if it results in an alteration of the natural history of mobility and QOL decline in persons with PD.

Effects of early progressive eccentric exercise on muscle size and function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a 1-year follow-up study of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The authors previously reported that focused eccentric resistance training during the first 15 weeks following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) induced greater short-term increases in muscle volume, strength, and measures of function relative to standard rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of early progressive eccentric exercise on muscle volume and function at 1 year after ACL-R. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Forty patients who had undergone an ACL-R were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a group that received early progressive eccentric exercise (n=20) and a group that received standard rehabilitation (n=20). Seventeen participants in the eccentric exercise group and 15 participants in the standard rehabilitation group completed a 1-year follow-up. Magnetic resonance images of the thighs were acquired 1 year after ACL-R and compared with images acquired 3 weeks after surgery. Likewise, routine knee examinations, self-report assessments, and strength and functional testing were completed 1 year after surgery and compared with previous evaluations. A 2-factor analysis of variance for repeated measures (group x time) was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Compared with the standard rehabilitation group, improvements in quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle volume in the involved lower extremity from 3 weeks to 1 year following ACL-R were significantly greater in the eccentric exercise group. Improvements in quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle volume were 23.3% (SD=14.1%) and 20.6% (SD=12.9%), respectively, in the eccentric exercise group and 13.4% (SD=10.3%) and 11.6% (SD=10.4%), respectively, in the standard rehabilitation group. Improvements in quadriceps femoris muscle strength and hopping distance also were significantly greater in the eccentric exercise group 1 year postsurgery. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A 12-week focused eccentric resistance training program, implemented 3 weeks after ACL-R, resulted in greater increases in quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle volume and function compared with standard rehabilitation at 1 year following ACL-R.

The use of eccentrically biased resistance exercise to mitigate muscle impairments following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a short review.

BACKGROUND: Novel interventions that can safely and effectively overload muscle early following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are needed to minimize atrophy and weakness that often becomes longstanding. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Eccentrically induced forces can be safely applied during the early stages of rehabilitation following surgery and serve as a potent stimulus for increasing muscle size and strength. RESULTS: Compared to a standard rehabilitation program, adding an early 12-week eccentric resistance-training program 3 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction induces improvement in quadriceps and gluteus maximus volume at 15 weeks and at 1 year after surgery. Likewise, those who performed an eccentrically biased rehabilitation program also achieved greater improvements in quadriceps strength and hopping ability measured at 15 weeks and at 1 year after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is potential to safely and feasibly perform eccentric contractions as part of a formal rehabilitation program following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.