Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background: Anterior cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is associated with various consequences, including chronic knee problems, knee instability, meniscus tears, cartilage injuries and development of osteoarthritis. The spinal core stabilizers play an important role in stabilizing the knee and prevent injury, but with minimal supporting evidence objective: To identify the relationship between non-contact ACL injury and core muscles weakness as well as to identify the factors that most significantly related to ACL injury that might provide information about possible prevention and new intervention strategies. methods: Sixty subjects with their ages ranged from 20 to 40 years old, allocated into two equal groups; Group A (ACL group): With non-contact ACL injury, and Group B (control group): Age matched healthy volunteer all are free from chronic or acute knee injuries. Each participant was assessed for Transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness (in static and dynamic situations) using ultrasound imaging (USI) and endurance of TrA using pressure biofeedback. results: There were a significant decrease in static and dynamic muscle thickness and TrA endurance in ACL group compared with that of normal group (p < 0.05), weak positive significant correlations with dynamic thickness (r = 0.27, p = 0.03) with no correlation with TrA endurance and static thickness. There were no significant difference between both groups in sex distribution. The mean ± SD duration since ACL injuries of the ACL group was 5.43 ± 1.97 weeks with 17 (57%) subjects had the right leg affected. No significant difference in the waist circumference between groups conclusion: TrA strength and endurance may be important in prevention and treatment of ACL injured patients

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