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Purpose: Patients with ACL injury requiring surgical treatment (non-copers) demonstrate altered neuromuscular control and gait pattern compared with those returning to their pre-injury activities without surgery (copers). Pathological gait pattern may increase the energy cost of walking. We compared the energy cost of flat, uphill, and downhill walking between ACL-deficient and healthy individuals and between “copers” and “non-copers”. Methods: Nineteen young males with unilateral ACL injury were allocated into “copers” and “non-copers” according to their ability to return to pre-injury activity without ACL reconstruction. Lysholm and IKDC scales were recorded, and a control group (n = 10) matched for physical characteristics and activity levels was included. All participants performed 8-min walking tasks at 0, +10, and −10 % gradients. Energy cost was assessed by measurement of oxygen consumption (VO2). HR and ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and VE/VO2 were also measured. Results: VO2 and HR were higher in ACL-deficient patients than in controls during walking at 0, +10, and −10 % gradients (p |
