TY - GEN A1 - Jahnke, Sonja A1 - Cruysen, Caren A1 - Prill, Robert A1 - Kittmann, Fabian A1 - Pflug, Nicola A1 - Albert, Justin Amadeus A1 - Camargo, Tibor de A1 - Arnrich, Bert A1 - Krolikowska, Aleksandra A1 - Kolcz, Anna A1 - Reichert, Pawel A1 - Oleksy, Lukasz A1 - Michel, Sven A1 - Kopf, Sebastian A1 - Wagner, Michael A1 - Scheffler, Sven A1 - Becker, Roland T1 - Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Soft Brace and Rigid Orthosis on Performance and Readiness to Return to Sport Six Months Post‑ACL‑Reconstruction T2 - Healthcare N2 - A randomized crossover trial was designed to investigate the influence of muscle activation and strength on functional stability/control of the knee joint, to determine whether bilateral imbalances still occur six months after successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and to analyze whether the use of orthotic devices changes the activity onset of these muscles. Furthermore, conclusions on the feedforward and feedback mechanisms are highlighted. Therefore, twenty‑eight patients will take part in a modified Back in Action (BIA) test battery at an average of six months after a primary unilateral ACLR, which used an autologous ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon graft. This includes double‑leg and single‑leg stability tests, double‑leg and single‑leg countermovement jumps, double‑leg and single‑leg drop jumps, a speedy jump test, and a quick feet test. During the tests, gluteus medius and semitendinosus muscle activity are analyzed using surface electromyography (sEMG). Motion analysis is conducted using Microsoft Azure DK and 3D force plates. The tests are performed while wearing knee rigid orthosis, soft brace, and with no aid, in random order. Additionally, the range of hip and knee motion and hip abductor muscle strength under isometric conditions are measured. Furthermore, patient‑rated outcomes will be assessed. Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040513 SN - 2227-9032 VL - 11 IS - 4 ER - TY - GEN A1 - Jahnke, Sonja A1 - Prill, Robert A1 - Królikowska, Aleksandra A1 - Oleksy, Łukasz A1 - Cruysen, Caren A1 - Daszkiewicz, Maciej A1 - Kowal, Mateusz A1 - Kentel, Monika A1 - Kentel, Maciej A1 - Michel, Sven A1 - Reichert, Paweł A1 - Becker, Roland T1 - Test learning effects influence coordinative but not strength-related tasks in patients six months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction T2 - Journal of clinical medicine N2 - Background: A comprehensive rehabilitation program is recommended following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to restore function, strength and lower limb stability. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, high reinjury rates highlight the need to refine rehabilitation strategies. This study investigates performance across various physically demanding tasks and compares outcomes between the injured and uninjured leg, using a modified Back in Action (BIA) test battery. It is hypothesized that due to test learning effects patients exhibit faster improvement in coordinatively demanding tasks compared to strength-related tasks. Methods: Thirty-two patients (aged 18–40) following primary unilateral ACLR participated in a prospective cross-sectional study within the context of a larger trial. Participants completed a modified BIA test battery, including stability, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop landing, speedy jumps, and quick-feet test (QFT). Each test was conducted in three sets, with three immediate repetitions. Self-reported outcomes were also collected. Results: Patients showed significant within-session improvements in coordinative tasks, with 32% in the injured and 26% in the uninjured limb during the speedy jumps [p < 0.05]. No significant learning effects were observed in strength-related tasks (drop landing, stability test, CMJ). Patients with lower baseline performance exhibited greater improvement than patients with higher performance level from baseline. Furthermore, a correlation between self-assessed abilities and actual performance was identified. Conclusions: This study showed that improvement of coordinative tasks after Return to Sport (RTS) testing of ACLR patients are rather affected by test learning effects. In contrast, this phenomenon is not seen in strength-related tasks. Rehabilitation programs should integrate both types of exercises while considering individual baseline abilities. Tailoring rehabilitation to individual needs, establishing sport-specific rehabilitation programs and incorporating self-assessment tools can enhance patient-centered care and reduce reinjury risks. KW - Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) KW - Return to Sport (RTS) KW - Back in Action (BIA) KW - Coordination KW - Neuromuscular adaption KW - Kinematics Y1 - 2025 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176308 SN - 2077-0383 VL - 14 IS - 17 SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER -