Oxygen saturation and lower-limb asymmetries in female basketball players following anterior cruciate ligament surgery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.15.1.2026.21478Keywords:
anterior cruciate ligament, muscle oxygen saturation, basketball, womenAbstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have increased with the growing participation in sports, accounting for 50% of all knee injuries and affecting women more frequently (3:1). Knee stability depends on four key ligaments, with the ACL being the most frequently injured, primarily due to valgus movements with the foot in support. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors increase the risk of injury, with notable contributors including a greater Q-angle and the hormonal influence on joint laxity. Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) reflects the balance between oxygen consumption and supply, varying according to exercise intensity. This study analyzed SmO₂ in female basketball players following ACL surgery, evaluating differences between the operated and non-operated leg. The results showed lower SmO₂ levels in the operated leg in three out of four subjects, suggesting deficits in muscle recovery and increased fatigue. Additionally, differences were observed based on the type of rehabilitation, highlighting that players with supervised reconditioning programs exhibited better SmO₂ levels and reduced asymmetry between both legs. These findings emphasize the need for individualized training programs to balance musculature, prioritize type II fiber activation, and design specific protocols to optimize recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury.
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