J. Nyland et al., REVIEW OF THE AFFERENT NEURAL SYSTEM OF THE KNEE AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONTO MOTOR LEARNING, The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 19(1), 1994, pp. 2-11
Understanding the afferent neural system of the knee is considered to
be vital to rehabilitation planning. An intricate relationship exists
involving the afferent neural receptors in the inert and contractile t
issues of the knee. Traditional rehabilitation strategies may not expl
oit this extensive afferent neural system. Closed kinetic chain functi
onal training (CKCFT) may provide a method for more effectively rehabi
litating an injured or reconstructed knee. The rationale for CKCFT has
traditionally focused on mechanical aspects. Sensorimotor integration
through motor learning is believed to be an important component of CK
CFT. The purposes of this review are to discuss: 1) the afferent neura
l system of the knee with emphasis on the mechanoreceptors, 2) the inf
luence of the afferent neural system of the knee on motor learning, an
d 3) how CKCFT uses the afferent neural system of the knee and motor l
earning during knee rehabilitation. This review reinforces the use of
CKCFT in knee rehabilitation plans.