The effect of a simulated knee effusion on lower extremity performance

Context: Researchers have suggested that quadriceps inhibition resulting from a simulated knee effusion would lead to decreased lower extremity performance. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between a simulated knee effusion and lower extremity performance. Participants: 9 college students. Methods: Subjects performed 3 functional-performance tests before and after a simulated knee effusion. Measurement was the average distance hopped for a single hop and crossover hop for distance and time for completion on a timed hop test. Results: An analysis of variance revealed significant change in average test scores after injection only for the timed hop in subjects receiving a 60-ml injection. Conclusion: Nonsignificant differences might have resulted from compensation from other muscle groups, fluid movement within the knee joint, and absence of an inflammatory process. Further research on the relationship between simulated knee effusion and lower extremity performance is needed.