Running Biomechanics and Return to Run Post ACL-R

In this episode, Dr Daniel Cobian discusses all things running post ACL reconstruction, specifically the research that he and the team at the University of Wisconsin have been looking at regarding running biomechanics changes in post-surgical recovery. How pervasive they are, how we can detect them in the clinical setting, their clinical relevance, and how we can tailor our rehab to address these changes with our athletes. Dr Cobian is an associate professor in the department of orthopedics and rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin, a faculty member in their doctor of physical therapy program, a research scientist in their athletic performance lab, and works clinically with their student athletes. He has been at the University of Wisconsin for the past 10 years, since completing his PhD from the University of Iowa, focusing on neuromuscular function following knee injury and surgery. Topics: What changes in running biomechanics are observed in athletes after ACL reconstruction and how long post-surgery do these changes last? What are the implications of the athlete continuing to run with these altered biomechanics? How can we assess and detect these changes in a clinical setting without access to expensive 3D motion capture and biomechanical analysis equipment? What are the likely causes of these biomechanical changes? How can we tailor post-surgical rehabilitation to target these changes? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaYNynwvAqQ References: Cobian, D. G., Joachim, M. R., Cornelius, J. R., Knurr, K. A., & Heiderscheit, B. C. (2025). Quadriceps Rate of Torque Development Is More Impaired Than Strength 4 to 12 Months Post-ACLR in Collegiate Athletes. Sports Health, 19417381251395745.  Knurr, K. A., Cobian, D. G., Kliethermes, S. A., Joachim, M. R., & Heiderscheit, B. C. (2025). Influence of Running Speed and Time Postoperatively on Lower Extremity Work in Collegiate Athletes after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 57(8), 1626–1635.  Knurr, K. A., Kliethermes, S. A., Stiffler-Joachim, M. R., Cobian, D. G., Baer, G. S., & Heiderscheit, B. C. (2021). Running Biomechanics Before Injury and 1 Year After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Division I Collegiate Athletes. The American journal of sports medicine, 49(10), 2607–2614.  Knurr, K. A., Cobian, D. G., Kliethermes, S. A., Stiffler-Joachim, M. R., & Heiderscheit, B. C. (2023). The Influence of Quadriceps Strength and Rate of Torque Development on the Recovery of Knee Biomechanics During Running After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. The American journal of sports medicine, 51(12), 3171–3178.