Strength setbacks: the impact of youth sport-related knee joint injuries on thigh muscle strength. A 24-month prospective cohort study

Review written by Sam Blanchard info

Key Points

  1. Regardless of injury type, traumatic insult to the knee joint results in weaknesses for both knee flexion and extension in youth populations.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There is extensive cross-sectional research on muscle strength following ACL reconstruction, looking at data from a snapshot in time. However, the lack of longitudinal data limits understanding of how strength changes over time or varies by injury type. Evidence suggests females experience poorer clinical and return-to-sport outcomes than males, with potentially greater strength loss after knee injuries.

This study aimed to address these gaps by comparing knee extensor and flexor peak torque between injured and uninjured youths over a two-year period, beginning within four months post-injury. It also examined how strength differences evolved over time, considering both injury type and sex-based variations.

Evidence suggests females experience poorer clinical and return-to-sport outcomes than males, with potentially greater strength loss after knee injuries.
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RTS should not be seen as the endpoint of rehabilitation—ongoing monitoring and support are crucial, as injury and performance risks can persist for up to two years post-injury.

METHODS

  • Participants aged 11 to 19 were recruited from Dec 2016 to Sept 2020, including participants with and without a traumatic knee injury. Those selected in the “knee injury group” had received their first ever knee injury within the past four
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