Objective:

To investigate combined kinematics of the trunk, hip, and knee in individuals over 20 years post-unilateral ACL injury, comparing those treated with surgery and physiotherapy (ACLR) to those treated with physiotherapy alone (ACLPT) and a control group (CTRL) with no prior knee injuries.

Key Findings:

• Significant differences in trunk, hip, and knee kinematics were observed between ACLR, ACLPT, and CTRL groups during vertical hops, highlighting the impact of treatment type on movement patterns.
• ACLPT individuals exhibited more deviating kinematics compared to CTRL, indicating compensatory strategies for knee instability that may increase the risk of further injury.
• Differences in kinematics were noted between injured and non-injured legs within both treatment groups, suggesting the need for individualized rehabilitation strategies.

Interpretation:

The study highlights the long-term impact of ACL injuries on movement strategies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive kinematic assessments in rehabilitation to tailor interventions effectively.

Limitations:

• The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, making it difficult to establish direct relationships between kinematic alterations and functional outcomes.
• Sample size may restrict the generalizability of findings, particularly in diverse populations with varying injury histories.

Conclusion:

Long-term kinematic alterations post-ACL injury necessitate tailored rehabilitation approaches that consider both knee and hip dynamics to improve functional outcomes and reduce the risk of re-injury.