Sex Differences in Quadriceps Atrophy After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Female athletes lag behind their male counterparts in recovery from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Quadriceps muscle size and strength are crucial factors for regaining function after ACL injury, but little is known about how these metrics vary due to biological sex.

Hypothesis

Female patients have reduced vastus lateralis fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and lower quadriceps strength after ACL injury than male patients.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Level of evidence

Level 4.

Methods

A total of 60 participants with recent ACL tear were evaluated for vastus lateralis muscle fiber CSA, isometric quadriceps peak torque, and quadriceps rate of torque development. Linear mixed models were fit to determine differences across sex and

SUBMITTER: Owen MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11569514 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature