Operant Upconditioning of the Quadriceps Motor Evoked Torque as a Means to Improve Quadriceps Function After ACL Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diminished corticospinal excitability is theorized to contribute to poor quadriceps function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Operant conditioning of the motor evoked torque (MEP_TORQUE) is a promising approach capable of improving corticospinal excitability. However, it is unknown whether increasing corticospinal excitability can improve quadriceps function after a short-term operant conditioning intervention in patients with reconstructed ACL.

Hypothesis

After ACL reconstruction, patients would demonstrate increases in quadriceps strength, voluntary activation, and corticospinal excitability after a 2-week operant conditioning intervention.

Study design

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Level of evidence

Level 1.

SUBMITTER: Rodriguez KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11811944 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature