Lower extremity limb symmetry index in individuals with knee soft tissue injuries: a cross-sectional study

Knee injuries are prevalent among active individuals and can lead to long-term functional limitations, affecting mobility, performance, and quality of life. (3) Accurate assessment tools are essential for guiding rehabilitation and return-to-sport decisions. The Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) is a widely used measure in evaluating functional recovery, yet there is a lack of comprehensive research on its application using hop tests in individuals with conservatively managed knee soft tissue injuries.

Current rehabilitation programs often rely on subjective assessments, leading to inconsistencies in clinical decision-making. Objective functional testing using LSI through hop tests can provide a standardized approach to quantify lower limb recovery, ensuring accurate comparisons between the injured and uninjured limb. This study is essential in bridging the gap in the literature by providing evidence-based data on LSI, which can improve clinical protocols, optimize rehabilitation strategies, and minimize the risk of reinjury.(14)

Furthermore, establishing LSI as a validated parameter in musculoskeletal rehabilitation will contribute to developing personalized treatment plans, enhancing patient outcomes, and reinforcing evidence-based practices in sports physiotherapy. The study’s findings will aid clinicians in setting precise rehabilitation benchmarks, ultimately facilitating a safe and effective return to activity for individuals recovering from knee soft tissue injuries.