Prediction of ACL and PCL Loads During Isokinetic Knee Exercises using Experimental Tests and Musculoskeletal Simulations

Aim of the study is to investigate the tension acting on the anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, and posterior cruciate ligament, PCL, during the knee isokinetic flexion-extension in a not-invasive way. Two different approaches were used: a numerical approach using OpenSim and an analytical approach. After having calculated the shear acting on the tibial plateau, it was possible to evaluate the tension at cruciates. After comparing the results with other studies in literature, the numerical approach resulted more correct than the analytical in flexion, whereas the analytical approach gave better results in extension. Results of the present work can suggest development directions for the ACL & PCL loads prediction from numerical muscololoskeletal models as well as indications of clinical relevance in isokinetik training or rehabilitation.