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Criss CR, Melton MS, Ulloa SA, Simon JE, Clark BC, France CR, Grooms DR. Rupture, reconstruction, and rehabilitation: A multi-disciplinary review of mechanisms for central nervous system adaptations following anterior cruciate ligament injury. Knee 2021; 30:78-89. [PMID: 33873089 DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite surgical reconstruction and extensive rehabilitation, persistent quadriceps inhibition, gait asymmetry, and functional impairment remain prevalent in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. A combination of reports have suggested underlying central nervous system adaptations in those after injury govern long-term neuromuscular impairments. The classic assumption has been to attribute neurophysiologic deficits to components of injury, but other factors across the continuum of care (e.g. surgery, perioperative analgesia, and rehabilitative strategies) have been largely overlooked. OBJECTIVE This review provides a multidisciplinary perspective to 1) provide a narrative review of studies reporting neuroplasticity following ACL injury in order to inform clinicians of the current state of literature and 2) provide a mechanistic framework of neurophysiologic deficits with potential clinical implications across all phases of injury and recovery (injury, surgery, and rehabilitation) RESULTS: Studies using a variety of neurophysiologic modalities have demonstrated peripheral and central nervous system adaptations in those with prior ACL injury. Longitudinal investigations suggest neurophysiologic changes at spinal-reflexive and corticospinal pathways follow a unique timecourse across injury, surgery, and rehabilitation. CONCLUSION Clinicians should consider the unique injury, surgery, anesthesia, and rehabilitation on central nervous system adaptations. Therapeutic strategies across the continuum of care may be beneficial to mitigate maladaptive neuroplasticity in those after ACL injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody R Criss
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
| | - M Stephen Melton
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sergio A Ulloa
- OhioHealth Physician Group Heritage College: Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, OhioHealth O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Janet E Simon
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Christopher R France
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Dustin R Grooms
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA; Division of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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Flanagan SD, Proessl F, Dunn-Lewis C, Sterczala AJ, Connaboy C, Canino MC, Beethe AZ, Eagle SR, Szivak TK, Onate JA, Volek JS, Maresh CM, Kaeding CC, Kraemer WJ. Differences in brain structure and theta burst stimulation-induced plasticity implicate the corticomotor system in loss of function after musculoskeletal injury. J Neurophysiol 2021; 125:1006-1021. [PMID: 33596734 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00689.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic musculoskeletal injury (MSI) may involve changes in corticomotor structure and function, but direct evidence is needed. To determine the corticomotor basis of MSI, we examined interactions among skeletomotor function, corticospinal excitability, corticomotor structure (cortical thickness and white matter microstructure), and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)-induced plasticity. Nine women with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL) 3.2 ± 1.1 yr prior to the study and 11 matched controls (CON) completed an MRI session followed by an offline plasticity-probing protocol using a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study design. iTBS was applied to the injured (ACL) or nondominant (CON) motor cortex leg representation (M1LEG) with plasticity assessed based on changes in skeletomotor function and corticospinal excitability compared with sham iTBS. The results showed persistent loss of function in the injured quadriceps, compensatory adaptations in the uninjured quadriceps and both hamstrings, and injury-specific increases in corticospinal excitability. Injury was associated with lateralized reductions in paracentral lobule thickness, greater centrality of nonleg corticomotor regions, and increased primary somatosensory cortex leg area inefficiency and eccentricity. Individual responses to iTBS were consistent with the principles of homeostatic metaplasticity; corresponded to injury-related differences in skeletomotor function, corticospinal excitability, and corticomotor structure; and suggested that corticomotor adaptations involve both hemispheres. Moreover, iTBS normalized skeletomotor function and corticospinal excitability in ACL. The results of this investigation directly confirm corticomotor involvement in chronic loss of function after traumatic MSI, emphasize the sensitivity of the corticomotor system to skeletomotor events and behaviors, and raise the possibility that brain-targeted therapies could improve recovery.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Traumatic musculoskeletal injuries may involve adaptive changes in the brain that contribute to loss of function. Our combination of neuroimaging and theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS) revealed distinct patterns of iTBS-induced plasticity that normalized differences in muscle and brain function evident years after unilateral knee ligament rupture. Individual responses to iTBS corresponded to injury-specific differences in brain structure and physiological activity, depended on skeletomotor deficit severity, and suggested that corticomotor adaptations involve both hemispheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn D Flanagan
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Felix Proessl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Courtenay Dunn-Lewis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam J Sterczala
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chris Connaboy
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Maria C Canino
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anne Z Beethe
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shawn R Eagle
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tunde K Szivak
- Department of Health Sciences, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts
| | - James A Onate
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jeff S Volek
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Carl M Maresh
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christopher C Kaeding
- Sports Health and Performance Institute, Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - William J Kraemer
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Can We Capitalize on Central Nervous System Plasticity in Young Athletes to Inoculate Against Injury? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42978-020-00080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Functional Brain Plasticity Associated with ACL Injury: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:3480512. [PMID: 31949428 PMCID: PMC6948303 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3480512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common problem with consequences ranging from chronic joint instability to early development of osteoarthritis. Recent studies suggest that changes in brain activity (i.e., functional neuroplasticity) may be related to ACL injury. The purpose of this article is to summarize the available evidence of functional brain plasticity after an ACL injury. A scoping review was conducted following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The terms “brain,” “activity,” “neuroplasticity,” “ACL,” “injury,” and “reconstruction” were used in an electronic search of articles in PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases. Eligible studies included the following criteria: (a) population with ACL injury, (b) a measure of brain activity, and (c) a comparison to the ACL-injured limb (contralateral leg or healthy controls). The search yielded 184 articles from which 24 were included in this review. The effect size of differences in brain activity ranged from small (0.05, ACL-injured vs. noninjured limbs) to large (4.07, ACL-injured vs. healthy control). Moreover, heterogeneity was observed in the methods used to measure brain activity and in the characteristics of the participants included. In conclusion, the evidence summarized in this scoping review supports the notion of functional neuroplastic changes in people with ACL injury. The techniques used to measure brain activity and the presence of possible confounders, as identified and reported in this review, should be considered in future research to increase the level of evidence for functional neuroplasticity following ACL injury.
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Bartels T, Proeger S, Brehme K, Pyschik M, Delank KS, Schulze S, Schwesig R, Fieseler G. The SpeedCourt system in rehabilitation after reconstruction surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2016; 136:957-66. [PMID: 27146667 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-016-2462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed at evaluating and finding the advantages of a program with unexpected disturbances (reaction time beyond 200 ms) in the late rehabilitation (5 months) after ACL-surgery compared to current sensomotoric based concepts. MATERIALS AND METHODS 50 athletic patients (14 females, 36 males, age: 32.7 ± 10.0 years) were randomized and followed either a new training with the SpeedCourt (28 athletes) or underwent a regular stabilization program (22 athletes). Subjects were assessed at baseline and after 3 weeks, i.e. six sessions in total. The comparison of evaluations (pre- and post-training) was calculated with a two-factorial (time, group) univariate analysis with parameters for flexibility, reaction time, tapping, jump force (uni- and bi-lateral) and anthropometry. RESULTS In between the two groups 5 out of 22 parameters (23 %) showed significant influences, i.e. highest in the lower leg dimensions 15 cm below joint-line of the operated knee joint (η (2) = 0.122), non-operated knee joint (η (2) = 0.200) and the lower leg dimensions 10 cm below joint-line of the non-operated knee joint (η (2) = 0.183). Jump height unilateral and reaction time on the surgically treated leg were also different and improved (η (2) = 0.148; η (2) = 0.138) significantly. Differences in the outcome parameters like tapping, jump height and ground reaction time between the operated and non-operated knee were remarkably reduced in the SpeedCourt intervention group. CONCLUSIONS Interventional training programs with the SpeedCourt system seem to be advantageous in the late rehabilitation following ACL-knee surgery compared to current sensomotoric based concepts. We achieved improvements of anthropometric and functional parameters. Further studies with larger groups and longer periods of evaluation are necessary to support these data and to possibly establish a new innovative rehabilitation concept. Clinically, the demonstrated SpeedCourt system might help to determine the time "back/return to sports" for athletes more objectively and prospectively reduce the rate of ACL re-injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bartels
- SportsClinic Halle, Center of Joint Surgery, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefan Proeger
- SportsClinic Halle, Center of Joint Surgery, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kay Brehme
- SportsClinic Halle, Center of Joint Surgery, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Martin Pyschik
- SportsClinic Halle, Center of Joint Surgery, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Karl-Stefan Delank
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stephan Schulze
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - René Schwesig
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Georg Fieseler
- Division for Shoulder Surgery and Sports Medicine, Helios Clinic Warburg, Hueffertstrasse 50, 34414, Warburg, Germany.
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Tsuda E, Ishibashi Y, Okamura Y, Toh S. Restoration of anterior cruciate ligament-hamstring reflex arc after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2003; 11:63-7. [PMID: 12664196 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-002-0338-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2002] [Accepted: 11/24/2002] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
It has recently been emphasized that restoration of neuromuscular function contributes to dynamic stability of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed knee. The existence of an ACL-hamstring reflex arc, one of the protective ligament-muscular pathways, has been revealed in normal human knees. Although reinnervation to the reconstructed ACL has been observed histologically, it remains unclear whether the ACL-hamstring reflex arc is reestablished. This study examined the existence of the ACL-hamstring reflex arc in ACL-reconstructed knees by analyzing the changes in the hamstring EMG elicited by electrical stimulation to the reconstructed ACL. The patellar tendon grafts transplanted as an ACL substitute in three patients were electrically stimulated via a bipolar wire electrode inserted arthroscopically. The surface EMG was monitored from the ipsilateral biceps femoris and semitendinosus. In two of the three patients the significantly increased EMG value of the biceps femoris was detected between 120 and 140 ms after the onset of electrical ACL stimulation. The increased EMG activity detected in the biceps femoris after the stimulation to the patellar tendon graft indicated reestablishment of the ACL-hamstring reflex arc in the ACL-reconstructed knee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiichi Tsuda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hirosaki University, 5 Zaifu-cho, 036-8562 Hirosaki, Japan.
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Sjölander P, Johansson H, Djupsjöbacka M. Spinal and supraspinal effects of activity in ligament afferents. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2002; 12:167-76. [PMID: 12086810 DOI: 10.1016/s1050-6411(02)00017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper available knowledge on effects from joint and ligament afferents on spinal neurones and pathways are briefly reviewed, and possible functional implications discussed. Ligament afferents may contribute to joint stability, muscle coordination and proprioception through direct polysynaptic reflex effects onto ascending pathways and skeletomotoneurones, and/or indirectly via reflex actions on the gamma-muscle spindle system. Theoretical and experimental evidence indicate that ligament afferents, together with afferents from other joint structures, muscles and the skin, provide the CNS with information on movements and posture through ensemble coding mechanisms, rather than via modality specific private pathways. The existence and functional relevance of ligamentomuscular protective reflexes, that are triggered when the ligament is threatened by potentially harmful loads, has been seriously questioned. It seems more likely that peripheral sensory inputs from ligament afferents participate in a continuous control of the muscle activity through feedforward, or preprogramming, mechanisms. In line with these ideas it has been suggested that ligament mechanoreceptors have an important role in muscle coordination and in the reflex regulation of the functional joint stability, by contributing to the preprogramming of the muscle stiffness through reflex modulation of the gamma-muscle spindle system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Sjölander
- Southern Lapland Research Department, S-912 22 Vilhelmina, Sweden.
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