Changes and compensatory gait mechanisms in lower extremity kinematics in patients with ACL rupture: a cross-sectional controlled study

Zhao, Xuan, Wu, Danni, Wang, Shaobai and Theobald, Peter ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3227-7130 2026. Changes and compensatory gait mechanisms in lower extremity kinematics in patients with ACL rupture: a cross-sectional controlled study. Sports Health 10.1177/19417381261479683

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Abstract

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is associated with knee instability and compensatory gait adaptations, which are relevant to rehabilitation planning. Hypothesis: Patients with ACL rupture would show altered bilateral hip, knee, and ankle gait kinematics. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 40 participants were enrolled, including 22 patients with recent ACL ruptures and 18 healthy subjects. Participants walked on a treadmill at 4 km/h while wearing 17 inertial sensors. Ten normalized gait cycles were used to compare bilateral hip, knee, and ankle kinematics. Results: Patients with ACL rupture demonstrated altered lower-extremity kinematics compared with healthy subjects. Hip external rotation was reduced bilaterally (P < 0.01), and hip adduction was reduced on both the affected (P < 0.05) and nonaffected (P < 0.01) sides. Maximum knee flexion was lower on the affected side than in healthy subjects (P < 0.01) and the nonaffected side (P < 0.05). Maximum ankle internal rotation was reduced bilaterally (affected side P < 0.05; nonaffected side P < 0.01), suggesting bilateral gait adaptations after ACL rupture. Conclusion: ACL rupture was associated with gait alterations involving both lower extremities, with bilateral hip and ankle kinematic changes and reduced maximum knee flexion mainly on the affected side.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Publisher:	SAGE Publications (UK and US): No SAGE Choice
ISSN:	1941-7381
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	16 September 2026
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2026 14:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189682

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