A multidisciplinary working group and steering group was formed, consisting of 12 ACL experts with 8–37 years of experience in ACL rehabilitation (physical therapists, sports physician, orthopaedic surgeons and one trauma surgeon). An extensive systematic review was carried out, in which the working group monitored and assisted in the systematic review process and the steering group validated all steps made by the first author and the working group.
The conclusions about
- modifable factors are, that a preoperative extension deficit and quadriceps strength deficit has a negative consequence on the rehabilitation process.
- effectiveness of physical therapy is that, it remains still unclear whether there is a benefit of supervised rehabilitation compared to home-based rehabilitation or no rehabilitation at all and that there are no differences in terms of laxity, ROM, self-reported knee function, single-leg hop test for distance or isokinetic quadriceps strength after a 19-week programme, compared to a 32-week rehabilitation programme.
- open vs. closed kinetic chain exercises is that, both can be used to regain quadriceps strength and that OKC exercises can be performed from 4 weeks postoperative on.
- strength and neuromuscular training is that, eccentric quadriceps exercises are safe after 3 weeks ACLR and better than concentric training. Neuromuscular training should be added and that immediate weight bearing is safe and decreases pain.
- Electrostimulation and electromyographic feedback is that it might be more effective in combination with strength training and that electromyographic feedback might reduce shortterm pain
- Cryotherapy is that it can be used to reduce acute pain.
- Measurements of functional performance is that an extensive test battery should be used to assess the return to play ability.
- Risk of reinjuries is that, the risk of a contralateral ACL rupture is higher than the risk of graft rerupture and that altered neuromuscular function and biomechanics (e.g. dynamic knee valgus) are a risk factor for second a ACL injury.
> From: Melick et al., Br J Sports Med (2016-11-07 23:57:38) (Epub ahead of print). All rights reserved to BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. Click here for the online summary.
