RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Gait impairments following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may contribute to reinjury or future osteoarthritis development. Recently, plantar cutaneous sensation deficits have been reported post-ACLR. These sensory deficits may influence gait and represent a mechanism through which to improve gait. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can established sensory interventions change sensation and gait in patients after ACLR and compared to healthy adults? METHODS: Twenty-two adults (nâ¯=â¯11 post-ACLR, age:20.5⯱â¯1.9years, body mass index[BMI]:24.5⯱â¯3.6â¯kg/m2; nâ¯=â¯11 healthy, age:20.7⯱â¯1.4years, BMI:23.3⯱â¯2.7â¯kg/m2) completed two sessions separated by 48â¯h. Gait and plantar cutaneous sensation were assessed pre- and post-intervention (massage or textured insoles). Gait analysis was completed using 3D motion capture at 1.4â¯m/s⯱â¯5% and standard inverse dynamics analysis. Plantar cutaneous sensation was assessed using Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments with a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm at the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head, base of the fifth metatarsal, and lateral and medial malleoli. Plantar massage was a 5-minute massage to both feet. Textured insoles (coarse grit sandpaper) were worn while walking. Biomechanical data were assessed via mixed-models, repeated measures ANOVAs and 90 % confidence intervals. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests and Mann-Whitney U tests evaluated plantar cutaneous sensation within and between groups, respectively. RESULTS: Knee adduction moment was lower in the ACLR versus the contralateral limb pre-massage. The vGRF was lower during the first half of stance but greater during the second half of stance in the ACLR versus the control group post-massage. Massage improved ACLR limb sensation over the first metatarsal head (Pâ¯=â¯0.042) and medial malleolus (Pâ¯=â¯0.027). Textured insole application improved ACLR limb sensation over the first (Pâ¯=â¯0.043) and fifth (Pâ¯=â¯0.027) metatarsals and medial malleolus (Pâ¯=â¯0.028). SIGNIFICANCE: Plantar massage and textured insoles improved plantar cutaneous sensation in the ACLR limb. Neither intervention influenced gait. Improving plantar sensation may be beneficial for patients after ACLR; however, sensory interventions to improve gait are necessary.