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Int J Sports Med 2021; 42(09): 847-852
DOI: 10.1055/a-1236-4102
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

Knee Kinetics in Baseball Hitting and Return to Play after ACL Reconstruction

Kevin Giordano
1   School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, United States
,
Meredith Chaput
2   School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens, United States
,
Adam Anz
3   Andrews Research and Education Foundation, Gulf Breeze, United States
,
Jeremy Braziel
4   The Shoulder Center of Arkansas, Fayetteville, United States
,
James Andrews
3   Andrews Research and Education Foundation, Gulf Breeze, United States
,
Gretchen D. Oliver
1   School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, United States
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the knee kinetics of baseball hitting, develop a tool to predict knee kinetics from easily obtainable measures, and to compare knee kinetics to other exercises along the rehabilitation continuum to determine a timeline for when hitting may resume after ACL reconstruction. Nineteen high school baseball athletes (16.3±0.8 yrs, 180.6±5.7 cm, 78.4±10.8 kg) participated. Participants took ten swings off a tee. Kinetic data were recorded using an electromagnetic tracking system. Data from swings with the top three exit velocities were averaged for analysis. Linear regressions were used to determine if predictors of height, mass, age and exit velocity could predict the following torques: bilateral knee net, extension, internal and external rotation, valgus and varus torque; and anterior force. Backwards regression models revealed independent variables could significantly predict front knee net, internal and external rotation, extension, and varus torque, and anterior force; and back knee net and valgus torque. Based on the kinetics of baseball hitting compared to those of rehabilitation exercises, if the involved knee is the front, we suggest tee hitting may be initiated at 13 weeks after ACL reconstruction. If the involved knee is the back, we suggest tee hitting may initiated at 17 weeks after ACL reconstruction.

Key words

ACL rehabilitation protocol - knee biomechanics - clinical measures - rehabilitation protocols - return to play

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 09 July 2020

Accepted: 28 July 2020

Article published online:
18 September 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Stuttgart · New York

 

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