Altered knee adduction moment (KAM) impulse, less knee flexion excursion, and higher daily step counts accounted for up to 65.8% of T2 relaxation time variation in the tibiofemoral cartilage 1 month after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Lower KAM impulse associated with longer T2 relaxation times in the injured medial compartment, which may indicate poorer cartilage health. The opposite relationship was present in the lateral compartment. Gait biomechanics and physical activity are modifiable targets that may improve cartilage health acutely after ACL injury.

This study used wireless force sensing insoles and automated two-dimensional video analysis to measure continuous kinetic and kinematic landing mechanics in a non-research setting with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) patients and uninjured controls. Compared to the control group, ACLR patients had reduced plantar force impulse symmetry during bilateral landing and reduced knee flexion range of motion symmetry during unilateral landing. This is an important step towards assessing injury risk in a clinical setting for return to sport decision making.