Proprioception and functional deficits of partial meniscectomized knees.

BACKGROUND: The partial meniscectomy leads to proprioceptive knee deficits in a short period after the arthroscopic procedure; however, to our knowledge, a limited number of studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of partial meniscectomy on the knee joint proprioception. AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the proprioception and muscle function of the partial meniscectomized knee through balance and functional tests 1-2 years posterior to arthroscopic surgery. DESIGN: This was an observational study. SETTING: Partially meniscectomized persons after 1-2 years. POPULATION: Twenty-six male patients who had an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy at the age between 20-40. METHODS: All patients performed balance (Biodex Stability System and balance boards) and functional (triple jump) tests. On the balance system the deviations from the horizontal plane were recorded, on the balance boards their performance was timed, and on the functional test triple jump their performance was recorded in meters. RESULTS: One-way Anova was used to determine significant differences between the healthy and injured limb. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) between the healthy and injured limb at all balance and functional tests performed. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that 1-2 years after partial meniscectomy, patients had reduced proprioception and knee muscular ability in the operated leg compared to the non-operated leg. Clinical rehabilitation impact. Proprioception and knee muscular ability deficits significantly affect objective knee function, indicating the importance not only of the restoring muscle function but also of the proprioception ability in partial meniscectomy patients.

Soccer players' muscular imbalances: restoration with an isokinetic strength training program.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a muscular training program on soccer players' performance which initially appeared imbalanced or bilaterally asymmetrical. During the preparation period, 35 soccer players performed an isokinetic measurement of knee flexors and extensors (60 degrees(-1) and 180 degrees sec.(-1)). 15 of these had muscular imbalances or deficits and followed a specific isokinetic training program for 2 mo., 3 times per week. After the completion of the isokinetic training program, the 35 players underwent the same isokinetic test. Significant differences were noted between the pre- and posttraining measures at both angular velocities in peak torque values, in differences from one limb to the other, and in peak torque ratios for flexors and extensors. Consequently, the application of this specific isokinetic training program can restore imbalances in knee muscle strength efficiently.

The effects of soccer training and timing of balance training on balance ability.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a soccer training session on the balance ability of the players and assess whether the effectiveness of a balance program is affected by its performance before or after the regular soccer training. Thirty-nine soccer players were randomly divided into three subject groups (n=13 each), one control group (C group), one training group that followed a balance program (12 weeks, 3 times per week, 20 min per session) before the regular soccer training (TxB group), and one training group that performed the same balance program after the soccer training (TxA group). Standard testing balance boards and the Biodex Stability System were used to assess balance ability in the C, TxB, and TxA groups at baseline (T0) and after completing the balance program (T12). The same tests and additional isokinetic knee joint moment measurements were carried out in the TxB and TxA groups pre- and post-soccer training. Two main results were obtained: (1) No differences (p>0.05) were found in balance ability and knee joint moment production between pre- and post-soccer training. (2) The balance program increased (p<0.01) the balance ability in the TxB and TxA groups, and the improvement in the TxA group was greater (p<0.05) than that in the TxB group post-soccer training. Result (1) is in contrast to the notion of a link between fatigue induced by a soccer training session or game and injury caused by impaired balance, and result (2) has implications for athletic training and rehabilitation.