Volume 12, Issue 1 (6-2026)
J Sport Biomech 2026, 12(1): 52-69 |
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Piri E, Jafarnezhadgero A, Dehghani M, Rezazadeh F, Enteshari-Moghaddam A. Running Mechanics in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction 6–12 Months After Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sport Biomech 2026; 12 (1) :52-69
URL: http://biomechanics.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-428-en.html
URL: http://biomechanics.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-428-en.html
Ebrahim Piri1 
, AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero *1 , Mahrokh Dehghani1 , Farhad Rezazadeh1 , Afsaneh Enteshari-Moghaddam2
, AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero *1 , Mahrokh Dehghani1 , Farhad Rezazadeh1 , Afsaneh Enteshari-Moghaddam2
1- Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
2- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Abstract: (71 Views)
Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the biomechanical characteristics of running in individuals who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) at various postoperative time intervals.
Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, SID, Magiran, ISC, ScienceDirect, JCR, and Web of Science from May 2010 to August 2025. Eligible studies included original research and clinical trials involving young adults (18–45 years) with a history of ACLR, no concomitant injuries, and full-text availability. After screening, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Data on loading asymmetry, knee kinematics and kinetics, and muscle activation were synthesized using meta-analytic procedures.
Results The results indicated significant biomechanical asymmetries in individuals with ACLR up to 18 months after surgery, including a 15–20% reduction in loading on the reconstructed limb, decreased knee extension moment (g = 0.80), greater knee flexion angle at initial contact, and reduced vertical ground reaction force. These deficits persisted even among athletes who had returned to sport, suggesting a sustained neuromuscular protective strategy.
Conclusion Despite extended recovery periods, individuals with ACLR continue to exhibit persistent biomechanical deficits during running. These findings underscore the need for precise, biomechanically informed rehabilitation programs prior to return to sport.
Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, SID, Magiran, ISC, ScienceDirect, JCR, and Web of Science from May 2010 to August 2025. Eligible studies included original research and clinical trials involving young adults (18–45 years) with a history of ACLR, no concomitant injuries, and full-text availability. After screening, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Data on loading asymmetry, knee kinematics and kinetics, and muscle activation were synthesized using meta-analytic procedures.
Results The results indicated significant biomechanical asymmetries in individuals with ACLR up to 18 months after surgery, including a 15–20% reduction in loading on the reconstructed limb, decreased knee extension moment (g = 0.80), greater knee flexion angle at initial contact, and reduced vertical ground reaction force. These deficits persisted even among athletes who had returned to sport, suggesting a sustained neuromuscular protective strategy.
Conclusion Despite extended recovery periods, individuals with ACLR continue to exhibit persistent biomechanical deficits during running. These findings underscore the need for precise, biomechanically informed rehabilitation programs prior to return to sport.
Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Running, Biomechanics, Asymmetry, Meta-analysis
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/20 | Accepted: 2025/10/25 | Published: 2025/10/25
Received: 2025/08/20 | Accepted: 2025/10/25 | Published: 2025/10/25
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