Characterizing body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity in women with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Objectives: The purpose was to compare body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity (PA) engagement between women with ACLR and healthy controls. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Ten women with ACLR (time since surgery = 33.0 +/- 18.3 months; age = 21.4 +/- 3.8 years) and 10 healthy women (age = 21.9 +/- 3.1 years) matched based on age (+/- 2 years) and Tegner Activity Level (+/- 2) participated. Main outcome measures: Body fat percentage (%BF) was estimated using air displacement plethysmography, cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed via a graded cycle test, and PA was assessed using accelerometers worn for 7 days. Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Time (minutes/week) spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA and step count (steps/day) were compared between groups using a one-way ANCOVA with 7-day total wear time as the only covariate. Statistical significance was established a priori as alpha <= 0.05. Results: Women with ACLR had significantly higher %BF than controls (ACLR = 32.7 +/- 6.7%, healthy = 22.6 +/- 4.9%; p < 0.01) and participated in less steps per day (ACLR = 6650 +/- 3227 steps/day, healthy = 9361 +/- 2626 steps/day; p = 0.02). Conclusions: There may be persistent negative effects on body composition and PA engagement for women following ACLR. Low PA and high %BF have adverse consequences for premature mortality and morbidity; therefore, it is crucial to assess these characteristics and determine interventions to maintain PA and healthy body composition following ACLR. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.YY