The Investigation of Muscle Torque, Proprioception and Range of Motion after a Rehabilitation Period of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Rostami Haji-Abadi, Mahdi; Rahnama, Nader; Pazira, Parvin; Bambaeichi, Effat

doi:10.22059/jsmed.2014.50128

The Investigation of Muscle Torque, Proprioception and Range of Motion after a Rehabilitation Period of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mahdi Rostami Haji-Abadi

Nader Rahnama

Parvin Pazira

Effat Bambaeichi

10.22059/jsmed.2014.50128

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the commonest injuries in athletes as about 80% of all surgeries performed on the knee ligaments are allocated to ACL. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a rehabilitation period on muscle torque, proprioception and range of motion after ACL reconstruction. 9 male athletes (mean age 28.77±5.2 years) who had ACL reconstruction surgery using a hamstring graft participated in this study as the sample. After physiotherapy, muscle torque and proprioception were measured using the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer (system 3) and range of motion was assessed by manual goniometer. Paired samples t test was used to analyze the data. The results of this study showed that the injured knee of patients had significantly lower mean torque in extensor than the uninjured knee (P≤0.05). No significant difference was observed in range of motion between the injured and uninjured knee (P≥0.05). Only one patient had higher error of proprioception in the injured knee than uninjured knee. Although the patients had lower error of proprioception in their injured knee, no significant difference was observed (P≥0.05). It can be concluded that although rehabilitation after ACL surgery was not able to improve strength in the injured knee, it could improve range of motion and proprioception in knee joint.

Keywords

Cruciate Ligament

Hamstring Graft

Muscle Torque

Proprioception

range of motion